Gpsmap 400/500 Series: Owner's Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 series
owners manual
2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Garmin Corporation
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Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
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or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or of any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual
must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without
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Garmin, the Garmin logo, GPSMAP, AutoLocate, BlueChart, g2 Vision, and MapSource are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and
other countries. Ultrascroll, myGarmin, and GFS are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission
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May 2009 Part Number 190-01074-10 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

Introduction
Introduction press SELECT. Then highlight Navigation Chart, and press

SELECT again.
This manual includes information for the following products:
GPSMAP 420/420s GPSMAP 450/450s Quick Links
GPSMAP 421/421s GPSMAP 451/451s Turning the Unit On or Off: page 3.
GPSMAP 520/520s GPSMAP 525/525s Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals: page 5.
GPSMAP 521/521s GPSMAP 526/526s
GPSMAP 550/550s GPSMAP 555/555s Inserting and Removing SD Cards: page 6.
GPSMAP 551/551s GPSMAP 556/556s Restoring Factory Settings: page 6.
Using the Navigation Chart: page 8.
Tips and Shortcuts Changing the Chart Settings: page 12.
Press HOME from any screen to return to the Home screen. Navigating to a Destination: page 22
Press MENU from any of the mainscreens to access advanced Creating and Using Waypoints: page 24.
settings.
Configuring System Settings: page 37.
Press and release the Power key to adjust the display settings.
Using Sonar: page 44.
Manual Conventions Alarms and Messages: page 55.
In this manual, when you are instructed to select an item, small
arrows (>) appear in the text. They indicate that you should highlight
a series of items on the screen using the Rocker, and press the
SELECT key after each item. For example, if you see select
Charts > Navigation Chart, you should highlight Charts, and
GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Introduction
Table of Contents Using Mariners Eye 3D.............................................................. 16

Using Fish Eye 3D...................................................................... 17
Introduction............................................................................i Using Fishing Charts................................................................... 18
Tips and Shortcuts......................................................................... i Enabling High Resolution Satellite Imagery................................ 19
Manual Conventions...................................................................... i Viewing Aerial Photos................................................................. 20
Quick Links.................................................................................... i Viewing Current-station Information............................................ 20
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)...................................................iv Detailed Road and POI Data...................................................... 21
Product Registration.....................................................................iv Using Automatic Guidance.......................................................... 21
Contact Garmin.............................................................................iv Using the Chart/Sonar Screen.................................................... 21
Getting Started......................................................................1 Where To?...........................................................................22
Unit Overview................................................................................ 1 Navigating to a Destination......................................................... 22
Turning the Unit On or Off............................................................. 3 Creating and Using Waypoints................................................... 24
Initializing Unit Settings................................................................. 3 Creating and Using Routes......................................................... 25
Adjusting the Backlight.................................................................. 4 Using Tracks............................................................................... 26
Using the Keypad.......................................................................... 5 Using BlueChart g2 Vision.......................................................... 28
Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals.................................................... 5 Navigating with a Garmin Autopilot............................................. 29
Using Simulator Mode................................................................... 6 Viewing Information...........................................................30
Viewing System Information......................................................... 6 Viewing a Compass.................................................................... 30
Restoring the Original Factory Settings........................................ 6 Viewing Numbers........................................................................ 30
Inserting and Removing SD Cards............................................... 6 Viewing Trip Information............................................................. 31
Understanding the Home Screen.................................................. 7 Viewing Fuel Gauges.................................................................. 31
Using Charts.........................................................................8 Viewing Tide-station Information................................................. 32
Using the Navigation Chart........................................................... 8 Viewing Current Information....................................................... 32
Changing the Navigation Chart Settings..................................... 12 Viewing User Data...................................................................... 33
Using the Split Navigation Chart................................................. 14 Viewing Other Vessels................................................................ 35
Using Perspective 3D................................................................. 15
ii GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual
Introduction
Configuring the Chartplotter.............................................37 Digital Selective Calling (DSC)..........................................49

Configuring System Settings....................................................... 37 Using the Chartplotter with a VHF Radio.................................... 49
Configuring Units of Measure..................................................... 37 Adding a DSC Contact................................................................ 50
Changing the System Language................................................. 38 Viewing the DSC List.................................................................. 50
Configuring Navigation Preferences........................................... 38 Receiving Distress Calls............................................................. 50
Configuring Communications Settings........................................ 39 Man-Overboard Distress Calls Initiated from a VHF Radio........ 51
Setting Alarms............................................................................. 40 Man-Overboard Distress Calls Initiated from the Chartplotter.... 51
Setting the Total Fuel Onboard Alarm......................................... 41 Position Tracking......................................................................... 51
Configuring My Boat................................................................... 42 Placing an Individual Routine Call.............................................. 52
Configuring Other Vessels.......................................................... 43 Calling an AIS Target.................................................................. 53
Using Sonar........................................................................44 Appendix.............................................................................54
Understanding the Full Screen................................................... 44 Specifications.............................................................................. 54
Understanding the Split Frequency Screen................................ 44 Alarms and Messages................................................................ 55
Understanding The Split Zoom Screen....................................... 45 Capturing Screenshots............................................................... 58
Understanding the Temp Log Screen......................................... 45 Caring for the Unit....................................................................... 59
Setting Up Sonar......................................................................... 46 Software License Agreement...................................................... 60
Advanced Sonar Settings........................................................... 47 Index....................................................................................61
GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual iii

Introduction
S ee the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box Product Registration
for product warnings and other important information. Help us better support you by completing our online registration
today. Go to http://my.garmin.com. Keep the original sales receipt,
or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Hg - lamps inside this product contain

Contact Garmin
mercury and must be recycled or disposed of Contact Garmin Product Support if you have any questions while
according to local, state, or federal laws. using your unit. In the USA, go to www.garmin.com/support, or
For more information go to: contact Garmin USA by phone at (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020.
www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/environment/disposal.jsp. In the UK, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. by phone at 0808 2380000.
In Europe, go to www.garmin.com/support and click Contact
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) Support for in-country support information, or contact Garmin
Hereby, Garmin, declares that the GPSMAP 400 series
(Europe) Ltd. by phone at +44 (0) 870.8501241.
and the GPSMAP 500 series is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive
1999/5/EC.
To view the full Declaration of Conformity, see the Garmin Web site
for your Garmin product: www.garmin.com.
iv GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Getting Started
Getting Started
Unit Overview
POWER/
BACKLIGHT
RANGE (-/+)
ROCKER
MARK
SELECT
MENU
HOME
Power/Data External GPS SD card slot

antenna
GPSMAP 520/525/550/555
GPSMAP 526 shown

Getting Started
NMEA 2000
Power/Data
GPSMAP 420/450
NMEA 2000
External
GPS antenna
Power/Data
GPSMAP 526/556 GPSMAP 421/451/521/551

Getting Started
Turning the Unit On or Off Initializing Unit Settings

To turn on the unit, press and release the Power key. When the The first time you turn on your unit, you must configure the initial
Warning screen appears, select IAgree to view the Home screen. settings.
Note: The first time you turn on your unit, you must configure the Note: You can change these settings later using the Configure
initial settings. See Initializing Unit Settings. screen (page 6).
To turn off the unit, press and hold the Power key. Languageselect the language to display on your screen.
Welcomeselect OK.
Store Demonstrationselect NO. (This option is only available
the first time the unit is turned on.
NMEA Devicesif you have NMEA 0183 devices connected to a
serial port, specify which ports are connected.
AIS Receiver (is not available if you select None for NMEA
Devices)Select Yes if one of the devices connected to a serial port
is an AIS (automatic identification system) receiver.
Position Formatspecify the coordinate system to use for location
readings.
Time Formatspecify whether you want the time shown in a
Home Screen 12hour, 24hour, or UTC (Universal Time Code) format.
System Unitsspecify units for on-screen measurements as
Statute, Metric, or Nautical.
Getting Started
Minimum Safe Depthselect the minimum safe depth for your

boat. Refer to your boat specifications for more information.
Shallow Water Alarmonly available if you are receiving NMEA
sonar depth data. Select Yes or No.
Minimum Overhead Clearanceselect the minimum overhead
clearance for your boat. Refer to your boat specifications for more
information.
AIS Alarm Rangeselect the distance in which an alarm will
sound if an AIS vessel nears your boat (page 43).
AIS Alarm Time Toselect the time within which an alarm will
sound if an AIS vessel is on track to intersect the Safe Zone around
your boat (page 43). To allow the unit to automatically adjust the backlight based on
If a water speed wheel is detected, a message will ask if you want to ambient light, select Auto Backlight (automatic backlight is
calibrate it now. Select Yes or No. available only on the GPSMAP 525, 526, 555, and 556).
To switch between Day and Night mode:
Adjusting the Backlight 1. Press and release the Power key.
1. Press and release the Power key. 2. Select Color Mode.
2. Select Backlight. 3. Press left or right on the Rocker to switch between modes.

Getting Started
POWER/BACKLIGHTPress and hold to turn the unit on or off;

press and release to adjust the backlight and day and night modes.
RANGE (-/+)Press to adjust the range of the sonar. Press to zoom
in or out on a chart. Press to page up or down on lists.
ROCKERPress up, down, left, or right to move through menus,
highlight fields, and enter data.
MARKPress to mark a waypoint.
SELECTPress to select highlighted items.
HOMEPress to return to the Home screen.
MENUPress to access additional settings and configuration
options; press to return to the previous screen when indicated.
Using the Keypad
POWER/ Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals
BACKLIGHT When you turn on the unit, the GPS receiver must collect satellite
RANGE (-/+) data and establish the current location. When the unit acquires
ROCKER satellite signals, the signal strength bars at the top of the Home
MARK screen are green . When the unit loses satellite signals, the
SELECT green bars disappear and the position icon displays a flashing
question mark.
MENU
HOME For more information about GPS, visit the Garmin Web site at
www.garmin.com/aboutGPS.
Getting Started
Using Simulator Mode Restoring the Original Factory Settings

Simulator mode turns the GPS receiver off for use indoors or for NOTE: This procedure deletes any information you have entered.
practice. The unit does not track satellites in simulator mode.
1. From the Home screen, select Configure > System > System
CAUTION: Do not try to navigate using simulator mode because the Information > Factory Settings.
GPS receiver is turned off. Any satellite signal-strength bars shown 2. Select Yes to restore all factory settings, or select No to cancel.
are only simulations and do not represent the strength of actual The unit reboots and prompts you to adjust unit settings (page 3).
satellite signals.
To turn on Simulator mode: Inserting and Removing SD Cards

1. From the Home screen select Configure > System > Simulator. Your unit supports Secure Digital (SD) cards. Insert optional
2. Select Setup to set speed, track control, and position. BlueChart g2 Vision SD cards to view high-resolution satellite
imagery and aerial reference photos of ports, harbors, marinas and
Viewing System Information other points of interest. Insert blank SD cards to transfer data such as
You can view the software version, the basemap version, and the waypoints, routes, and tracks to another compatible Garmin unit or
unit ID number for your chartplotter. You may need this information a computer (page 34). The SD card slot is located on the lower-right
to update the system software or to purchase additional map data corner of the unit.
information. To insert the SD card, open the access door and press the SD card in
From the home screen, select Configure > System > System until it clicks. Press the card in again and release it to eject it from
Information. the chartplotter.

Getting Started
Sonarset up and access sonar information (page 44).

Note: This option is available only if you have a unit with a
built-in sounder (model numbers ending with an s such as the
GPSMAP526s), or if you have a transducer that is connected to an
external sounder, such as the Garmin GSD 20/21/22.
Chart/Sonarset up the screen to view a chart and sonar in a
split screen (page 21).
Where To?access navigation features (page 22).
Informationview information including dashboard options,
tides, currents, celestial data, user data, and information about
Note: If using an SD card to transfer waypoints from MapSource, other vessels (page 30).
update to the most-current version of MapSource by clicking Help Configureaccess unit and system settings (page 37).
> Check for Software Updates, or check the Garmin Web site at
www.garmin.com.
Understanding the Home Screen

Use the Home screen to access all other screens. Press HOME from
any screen to return to the Home screen.
Chartsselects Navigation, Fishing, Perspective 3D, Mariners
Eye 3D, Fish Eye 3D, and Split Navigation charts.
Note: Mariners Eye 3D, Fish Eye 3D, and Fishing charts are
available only if you use a BlueChartg2Vision SD card.

Using Charts
Using Charts Mariners Eye 3Dprovides a view from above and behind
the boat as a three-dimensional navigation aid. The BlueChart
Your chartplotter has a worldwide map, and a built-in detailed map g2 Vision Mariners Eye 3D is more detailed than the preloaded
of US inland lakes, or BlueChart g2 cartography for either the USA data.
shoreline or a specific country.
Note: If you are using a GPSMAP 420/421/520/521/525/526
Navigation Chartdisplays all relevant navigation data (including s models), you must insert an optional BlueChart g2
available on your preloaded maps, including buoys, lights, Vision preprogrammed SD card to view detailed Navigation and
cables, depth soundings, marinas, and tide stations, in an Mariners Eye charts.
overhead view.
Perspective 3Dprovides a view from above and behind the Using the Navigation Chart
boat (according to your course), and provides a visual navigation Use the Navigation chart to plan your course, to view map
aid. information, and as a navigational aid.
Split Navigation Chartdisplays two different zoom levels of To access a Navigation chart, from the Home screen, select
the Navigation chart at the same time. Charts > Navigation Chart.
Fishing charts and Fish Eye 3D views are available when using
optional BlueChart g2 Vision preprogrammed SD cards.
Fishing Chartprovides a view of the chart with enhanced
bottom contours and without navigational data. This chart works
well for offshore deep-sea fishing.
Fish Eye 3Dprovides an underwater 3D view that visually
represents the seafloor according to the information on the chart.

Using Charts
Other Vesselsview information about other vessels if

Your boat your chartplotter is connected to an external AIS (Automatic
Identification System) or DSC (Digital Selective Calling) device
(page 49).
Exposed Tide station
wreck Stop Navigationstop navigating to your destination (only
available while navigating).
Beacon
Light
Data Barsshow or hide cruising, navigation, fishing, fuel, or
Marina sailing numbers.
services
Exposed
rock Zoom scale
Navigation Chart with g2 Vision
Navigation Chart Menu Data

To access additional settings or options for the Navigation chart, bars
press MENU.
Full Screen Mapview the Navigation or Fishing chart in full-
screen mode, without numbers.
Waypoints & Tracksview, add, and configure waypoints
(page 24) and tracks (page 26).

Using Charts
Cruisingturn the GPS Speed, GPS Heading, Depth, and GPS Waypoint VMG appears under these conditions:
Position data bar on or off. Select Data Bar Setup to configure
The Route Leg data bar displays Waypoint VMG when you are
the position of the data on the screen.
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line.
Navigationturn the Distance to Destination, Arrival, Off
The Sailing data bar displays Waypoint VMG when you are
Course, and Bearing data bar on or off. Select Auto to turn on the
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line, and you turn off
Navigation data bar whenever you are navigating to a destination.
the Route Leg data bar.
Select Data Bar Setup to configure the Route Leg, Next Turn,
and Destination options. Wind VMG appears under these conditions:
Fishingturn the Depth, Water Temperature, and Water Speed The Sailing data bar displays Wind VMG when you are not
data bar on or off. navigating a route or an automatic guidance line.
Fuelturn the Fuel Rate, Remaining Fuel, Range, and Fuel The Sailing data bar displays Wind VMG when the Route Leg
Economy data bar on or off. data bar is on.
Sailingturn the Water Speed, Wind Speed, Wind Angle, and Chart Setupcustomize the Navigation chart settings (page 12).
Wind Velocity Made Good (VMG) data bar on or off. Select
Wind to toggle between True and Apparent wind speed and wind Understanding Chart Data
angle. BlueChart g2 and BlueChart g2 Vision charts use graphic symbols
to denote map features that follow the standards for USA and
Understanding How Wind VMG and Waypoint international charts.
VMG Appear in the Data Bars
Other features common to most charts include depth contour
The chartplotter automatically switches between displaying Wind
lines (with deep water represented in white), intertidal zones, spot
Velocity Made Good (VMG) and Waypoint VMG in the data bars.
soundings (as depicted on the original paper chart), navigational aids
and symbols, and obstructions and cable areas.
10 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Using Charts
Navigating to a Point on the Chart To pan the map, press up, down, right, or left on the Rocker.
1. From the Home screen, select Charts.
2. Select Navigation Chart, Fishing Chart, or Split Navigation
Chart.
3. Use the Rocker to select the point on the chart to which you want
to go. Map
4. Press SELECT. pointer
5. Select Navigate To.
6. Select Go To (or Guide To when using a preprogrammed
BlueChart g2 Vision card for Automatic Guidance).
7. Follow the colored line on the screen to the destination.
To create a route to a point on the chart, see page 25.
Panning the Navigation Chart

Use the Rocker to move the map pointer ( ) away from your To stop panning, press MENU, and then select Stop Panning.
current location and to scroll to other areas on the Navigation chart. Zooming In and Out on the Map
As you pan past the edge of the current map display, the screen The Range (-/+) keys control the zoom level, indicated by the scale
scrolls forward to provide continuous map coverage. at the bottom of the Navigation chart ( ). The bar under the
As you move the map pointer, you can view the distance and number represents that distance on the map.
bearing from your current location and the map pointers location
coordinates in the lower-right corner of the map.
GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 11

Using Charts
Accessing Additional Object Information Viewing Tide-Station Information

Use the map pointer ( ) to view information about on-screen map Tide-station information appears on the chart with a detailed icon
items, waypoints, and charts. showing the relevant tide level. You can view an in-depth graph for
a tide station to help predict the tide level at different times or on
To access additional object information:
different days.
1. On the Navigation chart, highlight an item with the map pointer,
and press SELECT. Use the map pointer ( ) to highlight a tide-station icon ( ),
and press SELECT.
For more information about tides, see page 32.
Selected Changing the Navigation Chart Settings

item To change chart settings from the home screen, select Charts >
Navigation Chart > MENU > Chart Setup.
Photossets the high-resolution satellite images to Off, Land
Only, or On. High-resolution satellite imagery is only available
while using a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.
Tides/Currentsturns tides and currents on or off (page 32).
Service Pointsturns marine service points on or off.
Rosesdisplays a compass rose around your boat, indicating
2. Select the item. If more than one item is in the area, select compass direction. True wind or apparent wind direction displays if
Review, and then select the item.
the unit is connected to a compatible marine wind sensor.

Using Charts
Detailadjusts the amount of detail shown on the map at different

zoom levels.
Press left on Press right on

Wind direction
the Rocker to the Rocker to
indicator
decrease map increase map
Compass rose detail. detail.
Changing the Chart Appearance

From the Home screen, select Charts > Navigation Chart >
MENU > Chart Setup > Chart Appearance.
Heading Linedraws an extension line from the bow of the boat in
Orientationchanges the perspective of the map display. the direction of travel.
North Upsets the top of the map display to a north heading. Offturns the heading line off.
Head Upsets the map display to the current track heading. Distancesets the distance to the end of the heading line.
Course Upsets the map so the direction of navigation is Timesets the amount of time until you reach the end of the
always up. The heading line appears vertically on the screen if heading line.
shown.
World Mapdisplays a basic world map or satellite imagery (when
Full World Map is selected).
Using Charts
Spot Depthsturns spot soundings on or off and sets a dangerous Using the Split Navigation Chart
depth. Use the Split Navigation chart to view two different zoom levels of
Safety Shadingidentifies a selected depth. Areas with depths the Navigation chart at the same time.
shallower than the specified value are shaded in blue while areas
with depths greater than the specified value are shaded in white. The
shading is always drawn at, or deeper than, the selected depth.
Symbolschanges symbol preferences.
Navaid Sizeadjusts the size of the navaid symbols shown on
the map.
Navaid Typeselects the navaid symbol set (NOAA or IALA).
Land POIsturns the display of land POIs (points of interest)
on or off.
Light Sectorsturns the sector in which a navigational light is
visible on or off. Selecting On filters out light sectors depending
on the zoom level.
Split Navigation Chart
Chart Bordersturns chart borders on when using a BlueChart (with a BlueChart g2 Vision card)
g2 Vision SD card and you want to see what area the maps cover.
The top half of the screen is zoomed in 10 times closer than the
Photo Pointsturns camera icons (page 20) on or off when bottom half of the screen. The Range (-/+) keys control the zoom
using a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card. level.
Press MENU to view additional settings (page 9).

Using Charts
Using Perspective 3D Waypointsview, sort, or filter existing waypoints, or create

Perspective 3D provides a view from above and behind the boat new ones.
(according to your course), and provides a visual navigation aid. New Waypointedit, delete, or create a new waypoint.
This view is helpful when navigating tricky shoals, reefs, bridges, or Active Tracksmanage tracks (page 26).
channels, and is beneficial when trying to identify entry routes and
Saved Tracksview a list of tracks that have been saved.
exit routes in unfamiliar harbors or anchorages.
Other Vesselsview information about other vessels. To view
To access the Perspective 3D screen from the Home screen, information about other vessels, your unit must be connected to an
select Charts > Perspective 3D.
external AIS (Automatic Identification System) or DSC (Digital
Press the Range (+) key to move the view closer to your boat and Selective Calling) device.
lower to the water. Press the Range (-) key to move the view away
from the boat. Data Bars (page 9)show or hide cruising, navigation, fishing,
fuel, sailing numbers, or compass tape. When on, compass tape
To view details about navaids such as beacons, lights, and is displayed at the top of the Perspective 3D screen to provide a
obstructions: graphical representation of heading.
1. Use the Rocker to point to the navaid. When the cursor is over
the navaid, the navaid is highlighted. Chart Appearancecustomize the Perspective 3D chart.
2. Press SELECT to view details about the navaid. Range Ringstoggles the range rings on or off to provide
distance measurement.
Perspective 3D Settings
To access additional settings or options from the Perspective 3D Lane Widthadjusts the width of the course line drawn when
screen, select MENU. navigating. This setting also affects routes (Route To), but does
not affect automatic guidance (Guide To).
Waypoints & Tracksview, add, and configure waypoints and
tracks.
Tracksturn tracks on or off (page 26).
Using Charts
Using Mariners Eye 3D Press the Range (+) key to move the view closer to your boat
A BlueChart g2 Vision SD card offers Mariners Eye 3D, that and lower to the water. Press the Range (-) key to move the view
away from the boat. The scale ( ) temporarily appears at
provides a detailed three-dimensional view from above and behind
the bottom of the screen.
the boat (according to your course), and provides a visual navigation
aid. This view is helpful when navigating tricky shoals, reefs, To view details about navaids such as beacons, lights, and
bridges, or channels, and is beneficial when trying to identify entry obstructions:
and exit routes in unfamiliar harbors or anchorages. 1. Use the Rocker to point to the navaid. When the cursor is over
the navaid, the navaid is highlighted.
2. Press SELECT to view details about the navaid.
Mariners Eye 3D Settings

To access additional settings or options from the Mariners Eye 3D
screen, press MENU.
For settings and options related to Waypoints & Tracks, Other
Vessels, and Data Bars, see Navigation Chart Menu on page 9.
To customize the appearance of the Mariners Eye 3D screen,
select MENU > Chart Appearance.
StyleSelects how chart data is displayed over 3D terrain.
Classicuses color schemes to indicate 3D terrain.
Chartsprovides chart information in a 3D view.
Mariner's Eye 3D Navigation Chart
Photosprovides satellite photo imagery in addition to chart
information.

Using Charts
Hazard ColorsTurns hazard colors on or off. The Off setting Lane Widthadjusts the width of the course line drawn when
shows the land as seen from the water. The On setting indicates navigating. This setting also affects routes (Route To), but does not
shallow water and land with a color scale. Blue indicates deep water, affect automatic guidance (Guide To).
yellow is shallow water, and red is very shallow water.
Using Fish Eye 3D
Using the depth contour lines of the BlueChart g2 Vision
cartography, Fish Eye 3D provides an underwater view of the sea
floor or lake bottom. Use the Range keys to adjust the view.
Note: You must have an s series unit (such as a GPSMAP 420s)

and a transducer wired through a marine network to receive sonar
information.
Fish Eye 3D Settings

To access additional settings or options for the Fish Eye 3D screen,
press MENU.
Viewselects a fish eye view of fore, aft, port, or starboard.
Mariners Eye 3D Sonar Cone (only available if sonar is present)turns a cone that
(Water Hazard Colors) shows the area covered by your transducer on or off.
Range Ringstoggles the range rings on or off to provide distance Fish Symbols (only available if sonar is present)displays
measurement. suspended targets (such as fish). Targets are indicated by red, green,
Safe Depthadjusts the depth at which red indicates dangerous and yellow spheres. Red indicates the largest targets and green
depths. indicates the smallest targets.

Using Charts
The Fishing chart uses detailed bathymetric data on a

preprogrammed BlueChart g2 Vision SD card, and is best for
offshore deep-sea fishing.
Suspended From the Home screen, select Charts > Fishing Chart.
targets
Fish Eye 3D
Tracksturns the track log on or off.
Data Barsshow or hide cruising, navigation, fishing, fuel, or
sailing numbers (page 9).
To access additional settings or options from the Fishing chart,
Using Fishing Charts press MENU.
Use the Fishing chart for a detailed, unobstructed view of the bottom Navaidsdisplays navigational aids, such as beacons, lights, and
contours on the chart. obstructions.

Using Charts
For settings and options related to Full Screen Map, Waypoints & Note: When enabled, the high-resolution satellite images are only
Tracks, Other Vessels, and Data Bars, see Navigation Chart Menu present at lower zoom levels. If you cannot see the high-resolution
on page 9. images in your BlueChart g2 Vision region, either zoom in further
using the Range (+) key, or set the detail level higher (page 13).
To customize the appearance of the Fishing Chart screen, select
MENU > Chart Setup (page 12).
Enabling High Resolution Satellite Imagery

You can overlay high-resolution satellite images on the land, sea, or
both portions of the Navigation chart when using a preprogrammed
BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.
To enable satellite imagery:
1. While viewing the Navigation chart, press MENU.
2. Select Chart Setup > Photos. Photo Overlay Off Land Only Photo Overlay
3. Select one of the following:
Offstandard chart information is shown on the map.
Land Onlystandard chart information is shown on water
with photos overlaying the land.
Onphotos overlay both the water and the land at a specified
opacity. The higher you set the percentage, the more the
satellite photos will cover both land and water.
Photo Overlay at 50% Photo Overlay at 100%

Using Charts
Viewing Aerial Photos To access aerial photos from the Navigation chart:
Preprogrammed BlueChart g2 Vision SD cards contain aerial Use the Rocker to highlight a camera icon with the pointer, and
select Aerial Photo or Review.
photographs of many landmarks, marinas, and harbors. Use these
photos to help orient yourself to your surroundings or to acquaint
yourself with a marina or a harbor prior to arrival.
Perspective
Overhead
Viewing Current-station Information

If current stations are available in your BlueChart g2 Vision region,
Aerial Photo they appear on the Navigation chart as highlighted
Note: Use the Range (-/+) keys to zoom in and out while viewing arrows. These detailed icons show the speed and
the aerial photo on the full screen. direction of the current at a glance. Select Review or
the name of the station to display a current graph.
Current-station
icon

Using Charts
Detailed Road and POI Data

BlueChart g2 Vision contains detailed road and points of interest
(POI) data, which includes highly detailed coastal roads and
Navigation
POIs such as restaurants, lodging, local attractions and more. For
chart screen
instructions on searching for, and navigating to, these POIs, see the
Where To? section beginning on page 22.
Using Automatic Guidance Sonar

Automatic Guidance automatically creates and suggests routes based screen
on available BlueChart g2 Vision chart information. See page 38 for
instructions on setting up Automatic Guidance for your boat. The
Where To? section on page 22 has more information on how to
use Automatic Guidance.
Navigation/Sonar Combination
To access additional settings or options for the chart/sonar
Using the Chart/Sonar Screen screen, press MENU.
Note: The Chart/Sonar screen, like the Sonar screen, is only
available when using a sonar capable unit with a transducer attached.
Use the Chart/Sonar screen to view the Navigation chart, Fishing
chart, Mariners Eye 3D, or Fish Eye 3D and sonar at the same time.
To view a split chart/sonar screen:
1. From the Home screen, select Chart/Sonar.
2. Select the type of chart on the split screen.

Where To?
Where To? Navigating to a Destination

You can search for, and navigate to, waypoints, routes, tracks, and
Use the Where To? option on the Home screen to search for, and
services such as nearby fuel, repairs, and ramps.
navigate to, waypoints, routes, tracks, and services such as nearby
fuel, repairs, and ramps. To begin navigating:
1. From the Home screen, select Where To?.
Note: You must create waypoints and routes before you can 2. Select the category to which you want to navigate.
navigate to them.
You can navigate to a destination using one of three methods: Go
To, Route To, or Guide To.
Go Totakes you directly to the destination.
Route Tocreates a route from your location to a destination,
allowing you to add turns to the route.
Guide Tosearches BlueChart g2 Vision chart data to suggest
the best path to your destination. You must be using a BlueChart
g2 Vision SD card for this option to appear.
Caution: Guide To does not ensure obstacle and bottom
clearance. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies or questions
before continuing navigation.
3. Select a destination.

Where To?
Note: Press the right or left arrow to view additional information To stop navigating:
or to display the location on a chart. Press MENU, and select Stop Navigating.
4. Select Navigate To. To search for a destination by name:
5. Select Go To. 1. From the Home screen, select Where To? > Search by Name.
OR 2. Use the Rocker to select characters and spell at least a portion
Select Guide To when using a preprogrammed BlueChart g2 of the name of your destination.
Vision card to use Automatic Guidance. 3. Press SELECT to view the 50 nearest destinations that contain
6. Follow the colored line on the screen to the destination. your search criteria.
4. Select the location > Navigate To > Go To or Route To (or
Guide To when using a preprogrammed BlueChart g2 Vision
card).
Where To?
Creating and Using Waypoints To edit an existing waypoint:

You can store up to 1,500 waypoints (3,000 waypoints for models 1. From the Navigation chart, use the map pointer ( ) to highlight
the waypoint on the Navigation chart.
GPSMAP 421/451/521/551/526/556, including s models) with a
OR
user-defined name, symbol, depth, water temperature, and comment From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
for each waypoint. Waypoints.
To create a new waypoint: 2. Select the waypoint you want to edit.
1. From the Home screen, select Charts > Navigation Chart. 3. Select Edit Waypoint.
2. Use the map pointer ( ) to select the location you want to 4. Select the waypoint attribute you want to change (Name,
designate as a waypoint. Symbol, Depth, Water Temp, Comment, or Position).
3. Press SELECT. To move the waypoint on the Navigation chart:
4. Select Create Waypoint. 1. Select the waypoint on the Navigation chart.
To mark your current location as a waypoint: 2. Select Review. (The Review button is only shown when more
From any screen, press the MARK key. than one waypoint is in the vicinity.)
Edit Waypointdesignate a specific name, symbol, water 3. Select the button for the waypoint you want to edit.
depth, or water temperature. 4. Select Move.
Deletedeletes the waypoint. 5. Press SELECT to save the new location, or press MENU to
Man Overboarddesignates the current location as a Man cancel the move.
Overboard location. To view a list of all waypoints:
Right or Left Arrowswitches between waypoint information From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
and the Navigation chart. Waypoints.
Note: Selecting MARK creates a waypoint only at your present
location.

Where To?
To delete a waypoint or an MOB:

1. From the Navigation chart, use the map pointer ( ) to highlight
the waypoint or the MOB on the Navigation chart.
OR
From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
Waypoints.
2. Select the waypoint or the MOB you want to delete.
3. Select Review > Delete (The Review button is only shown when
more than one waypoint is in the vicinity.)
Creating and Using Routes

You can create and store up to 20 routes (100 routes for models
GPSMAP 421/451/521/551/526/556, including s models), with up
to 250 waypoints each. 5. Press MENU to cancel, to undo the last turn, or to begin
navigating the route.
To create a route from your present location:
1. From the Navigation chart, use the map pointer ( ) to select To create a route in another location:
your destination. 1. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
2. Select Navigate To > Route To. Routes > New Route.
3. Use the map pointer ( ) to select the location at which you 2. Select Use Chart or Use Waypoint List.
want to make the last turn toward your destination. 3. If you select Use Chart, use the map pointer ( ) to select the
4. Press SELECT. Repeat this step to add additional turns. initial location at which you want to start the new route. If you
select Use Waypoint List, select the first waypoint on the route.
4. Choose the location of the first turn and press SELECT. Repeat
until the route is complete.

Where To?
5. Select MENU to save the route. To bypass a waypoint on a route:

6. Select the route to edit the route, delete the route, or navigate to 1. Create a route as previously described.
the route. 2. Select the waypoint that follows the waypoint you are bypassing.
To create a route using Automatic Guidance (when using a 3. Select Navigate To > Go To (or Route To).
preprogrammed BlueChart g2 Vision card):
1. From the Navigation chart, select your destination. Using Tracks
2. Select Navigate To > Guide To. Your route is calculated. A track is a recording of your path. The track currently being
recorded is the active track. An active track can be saved.
NOTE: You can change the automatic guidance path to a route by
selecting the end of the path and selecting Navigate To > Route To. To turn on the track log:
The automatic guidance path stays on the screen, allowing you to From the Navigation or Perspective 3D chart, select MENU >
trace it while creating a route. Waypoints & Tracks > Tracks > On. A trailing line on the chart
indicates your track.
To edit a route:
1. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
Routes.
2. Select the route to edit.
3. Select Edit Route. You can edit the route name or use the chart
or turn list to edit the route turns.
To delete a route:
1. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
Routes.
2. Select the route to delete.
3. Select Delete > OK.

Where To?
To clear the active track:

From the Navigation or Perspective 3D chart, select MENU >
Waypoints & Tracks > Active Tracks > Clear Active Track.
The track memory is cleared; the current track continues to be
recorded.
To retrace the active track:
1. From the Navigation or Perspective 3D chart, select MENU >
Waypoints & Tracks > Active Tracks > Follow Active Track.
2. Select either the time the current track began or Entire Log.
3. Follow the colored line on the screen.
To edit or delete a saved track:
Waypoints & Tracks > Saved Tracks.
To save the active track: 2. Select the track you want to edit or delete.
3. Select Edit Track to change the name or color of the track, or
Waypoints & Tracks > Active Tracks > Save Active Track.
select Delete to delete the track.
2. Select either the time the current track began (or Midnight, if
shown) or Entire Log. To set active Track Options:
From the Navigation or Perspective 3D chart, select MENU >
3. To name the track, change the color of the track, or save it as a
Waypoints & Tracks > Active Track > Active Track Options.
route, select Edit Track.
Record Modeselect Off, Fill, or Wrap.
Offdoes not record a track log.
Fillrecords a track log until the track memory is full.

Where To?
Wrapcontinuously records the track log, replacing the oldest Mariners Eye 3Dprovides a view from above and behind the
track data with new data. boat for a three-dimensional navigation aid. The BlueChart g2
Record Intervaldefines the frequency at which the track plot is Vision Mariners Eye 3D is more detailed than the preloaded data
recorded. Recording more-frequent plots is more accurate but fills (page 16).
the track log faster. Fish Eye 3Dprovides an underwater 3D view that visually
represents the seafloor according to the information on the chart.
Intervalsets whether the interval is determined by distance,
time, or resolution. (Select Change to set the value.) Fishing Chartsprovides a view of the chart with enhanced
bottom contours and without navigational data. This chart works
Distancerecords the track based on a distance between points.
well for offshore deep-sea fishing.
Timerecords the track based on a time interval.
High Resolution Satellite Imageryprovides high-resolution
Resolutionrecords the track plot based on a variance from satellite images for a realistic view of the land and water on the
your course. This setting is recommended for the most-efficient Navigation chart.
use of memory. The distance value (Change) is the maximum
Aerial Photosprovides a view of marinas and other
error allowed from the true course before recording a track point.
navigationally significant aerial photos to help you visualize your
Changesets the value of the interval. surroundings.
Track Colorsets the color of the track plot. Detailed Roads and POI dataprovides a view of roads,
restaurants, and other points of interest (POIs) along the shore.
Using BlueChart g2 Vision Current Dataprovides a view of current-station information
Optional BlueChart g2 Vision preprogrammed SD cards allow (page 32).
you to get the most out of your unit. In addition to detailed marine
charting, BlueChart g2 Vision has the following features:

Where To?
Auto Guidanceuses the chart data and specified boat safe

depth to determine the best course to your destination (page 38).
Note: You cannot transfer BlueChart g2 Vision data from the SD
card to your computer for backup or viewing purposes. You can only
use the SD card on BlueChart g2 Vision-compatible Garmin GPS
units.
Navigating with a Garmin Autopilot

When you start any type of navigation (Go To, Route To, Guide
To, or Follow Track), if you are connected to a compatible Garmin
autopilot, you are prompted to engage the autopilot.

Viewing Information
Viewing Information Viewing Numbers

You can view and customize numerical data including depth, GPS
Use the Information screen to access information about dashboard
information, and navigation information. You can customize the
gauges, tides, currents, user data, and other vessels.
number of fields shown and the type of information shown in each
field. You can view up to six fields of numerical information.
Viewing a Compass
From the Home screen, select Information > Dashboard > To view the Numbers screen from the Home screen, select
Compass. Information > Dashboard > Numbers.
To customize the Numbers screen:

1. From the Home screen, select Information > Dashboard >
Numbers.
2. Press MENU and select Configure.

Viewing Information
3. Select the number of fields to show (3, 4, 5, or 6).

4. Select information to show in each field.
To reset the trip information, maximum speed, odometer, or all

values, press MENU while viewing the trip information.
Viewing Fuel Gauges

To view fuel gauges from the Home screen, select Information >
Viewing Trip Information Dashboard > Fuel. Fuel level in each tank, total fuel remaining,
From the home screen, select Information > Dashboard > Trip. cruising range, fuel flow for each engine, total fuel flow, fuel
economy for each tank, and total fuel economy are displayed.
Note: To view fuel information, your unit must be connected to an

external fuel sensor, such as the Garmin GFS 10.

Viewing Information
To synchronize your fuel gauges with your fuel:

From the Home screen, select Information > Dashboard > Fuel
> MENU.
Fill Up All Tanksselect when your tank is full. An estimate
of the total fuel is shown. Adjust if necessary.
Add Fuel To Boatselect when you have added less than
a full tank. An estimate of the fuel added is shown. Adjust if
necessary.
Set Total Fuel Onboardselect to specify the total fuel in
your tanks.
Fuel Economyselect either GPS Speed or Water Speed
(using data from a speed wheel) for the fuel economy
calculation.
Select Change Date > Manual to view tide information for a
Viewing Tide-station Information different date.
Note: You must use a BlueChart g2 Vision card to view Tide- Select Show Report to view the Tide Prediction Report for the
station information. selected station.
1. Select Information > Tides & Currents > Tides.
Viewing Current Information
2. Select a tide station. Tide-station information is shown.
Use the Current Prediction screen to view information for currents.
Note: You must use a BlueChart g2 Vision card to view Current-

station information.
1. Select Information > Tides & Currents > Currents.
2. Select a current station. Current-station information is shown.
Viewing Information
Viewing User Data

To view user data, from the Home screen, select Information >
User Data.
Waypointsview a list of all saved waypoints (page 15).
Routesview a list of saved routes (page 25).
Tracksview a list of saved tracks (page 26).
Data Transfertransfer waypoints, routes, and tracks to and from
an SD card or network.
Clear User Dataerase all user waypoints, routes, and tracks.
To copy or merge MapSource data to your chartplotter:
Select Change Date > Manual to view current-station 1. Insert an SD card into your chartplotter to allow it to place a file
information for a different date. on the SD card. This file provides information to MapSource
to format the data. This only needs to be done the first time
Select Show Report to view the Current Prediction Report for you copy or merge MapSource data to your chartplotter from a
the selected station. specific SD card.
Note: You can select both tide-station and current-station 2. Check your MapSource version on the computer by clicking
information directly from the Navigation chart. Help > About MapSource. If the version is older than 6.12.2,
update to the most-current version by clicking Help > Check for
Software Updates, or check the Garmin Web site at www
.garmin.com.
3. Insert the SD card into an SD card reader that is attached to the
computer.

Viewing Information
4. From within MapSource, click Transfer > Send to Device. 4. Select Yes to save waypoints, routes, and tracks to the SD card.
5. From the Send to Device window, select the drive for the SD The file name is saved with an .ADM extension.
card reader and the types of data you want to copy to your To
transfer data (waypoints, routes, tracks) from an SD
chartplotter. card:
6. Click Send. 1. Insert an SD card into the SD card slot on the front of the unit.
7. Insert the SD card into your chartplotter. 2. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data > Data
8. From the Home screen on your chartplotter, select Information > Transfer.
User Data > Data Transfer. 3. Complete one of the following:
9. Complete one of the following: Select Merge From Card to transfer data from the SD card to
Select Merge From Card to transfer data from the SD card to the chartplotter and combine it with existing user data.
the chartplotter and combine it with existing user data. Select Replace From Card to overwrite items on your
Select Replace From Card to overwrite the data on your chartplotter.
chartplotter. 4. Select the file name from the list. The data is transferred from the
10. Select the file name from the list. The data is transferred from the SD card to the chartplotter.
SD card to the chartplotter. To copy the built-in maps to an SD card:
To transfer data (waypoints, routes, tracks) to an SD card: 1. Insert an SD card (at least 4 GB) into the SD card slot on the
1. Insert an SD card into the SD card slot on the front of the unit. front of the unit.
2. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data > Data 2. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data > Data
Transfer > Save To Card. Transfer > Copy Built-In Map to copy the maps loaded onto
your chartplotter to the SD card.
3. Complete one of the following:
Select the file name from the list. To transfer data to or from a NMEA 2000 network:
1. Connect the unit to a NMEA 2000 network. (Refer to the
Select Add New File to create a new file. Enter the file name
GPSMAP 4000/5000 Installation Instructions.)
using the Rocker and select Done.

Viewing Information
6. From Windows Explorer, open the Garmin\UserData folder on

Note: Only the following units are NMEA 2000 compatible:
the SD card.
GPSMAP 451/451s GPSMAP 526/526s 7. Copy the appropriate .ADM file on the card, and paste it to any
GPSMAP 551/551s GPSMAP 556/556s location on the computer.
2. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data > Data To restore backup data to your chartplotter:
Transfer > Network. 1. Copy the appropriate .ADM file from the computer to an SD card
3. Complete one of the following: in the Garmin\UserData folder.
Select Clone User Data to transfer waypoints, routes, 2. Insert the SD card into your chartplotter.
and tracks to other chartplotters connected to the network. 3. From the Home screen on your chartplotter, select Information >
Existing data is overwritten on those chartplotters. User Data > Data Transfer > Replace From Card.
Select Merge User Data to transfer data between all the To delete all waypoints, routes, and tracks:
chartplotters connected to the network. Unique data is 1. From the Home screen on your chartplotter, select Information >
combined with existing data on every chartplotter. User Data > Clear User Data.
To back up data to a computer: 2. Select Waypoints, Routes, Saved Tracks, or All.
1. Insert an SD card into the SD card slot on the front of the unit. 3. Select OK to delete the data.
2. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data > Data
Transfer > Save To Card. Viewing Other Vessels
3. Complete one of the following: To view information about other boats from the Home screen,
Select the file name from the list. select Information > Other Vessels.
Select Add New File to create a new file. Enter the file name Note: To view information about other boats, your unit must be
using the Rocker, and press Select. connected to an external AIS (Automatic Identification System)
5. Remove the SD card from the unit, and insert it into an SD card or DSC (Digital Selective Calling) device. See page 49 for more
reader attached to a computer. information.

Viewing Information
AIS Listview information about all of the boats your unit

is monitoring. The AIS list shows the MMSIs or (if the boat is
broadcasting it) names of the AIS boats and is sorted by range. The
boat nearest to your boat appears at the top of the list.
DSC Listview the 100 most recent calls. The DSC List shows the
most recent call from a boat. If a second call is received from the
same boat, it replaces the first call in the list.
Select Options to sort calls by name, type, MMSI, distance from
your boat, or the time the call was received.
Select Options > Delete All to delete all the calls from the list.
To add a DSC contact:
1. Select Add Contact.
2. Use the Rocker to enter the MMSI number of the vessel.
3. Use the Rocker to enter the name of the vessel.

Configuring the Chartplotter
Configuring the Chartplotter GPS position information. However, when using WAAS or
EGNOS, the device takes longer to acquire satellites.
Use the Configure screen to configure unit settings.
Speed Filterselect On, Off, or Auto. The speed filter averages
the speed of your boat over a short period of time for smoother
Configuring System Settings speed values.
To change general system settings from the Home screen, select
Configure > System. System Informationview system information and reset factory
settings. The Save to Card button is provided as a troubleshooting
Simulatorturn Simulator mode on or off. Select Setup to set
tool; a Garmin Product Support representative may ask you to use
simulator options, such as simulated position, speed, and direction.
this feature to retrieve data about your chartplotter.
Beeper/Displayselect Beeper to set when the unit makes audible
Event Logdisplays a list of system events. Select the event to
sounds. Select Display > Backlight to brighten or darken the
view additional information.
backlight. Select Display > Color Mode to switch between Day
mode and Night mode (page 4).
Configuring Units of Measure
Auto Power (GPSMAP 421/451/521/551/526/556, including s To change units of measure from the Home screen, select
models)turn Auto Power On or Off. When On is selected, the Configure > Preferences > Units.
chartplotter will automatically turn on whenever power is applied, System Unitsglobal setting that defines individual units of
unless the chartplotter is turned off with the Power Key before measure at the same time: Statute (mh,ft,F), Metric (kh, m, C),
power is lost. Nautical (kt, ft, F), or Custom. Select Custom to individually
GPSview GPS satellites. define units of measure for depth, temperature, distance, speed,
elevation, volume, and pressure.
Skyviewview the GPS satellite constellation.
WAAS/EGNOStoggle WAAS (in North America) or EGNOS Note: You must be receiving NMEA sonar depth data or using
(in Europe) on or off. WAAS/EGNOS can provide more-accurate a Garmin sounder module to view depth and water temperature
information.
Headingsets the reference used in calculating heading Changing the System Language
information. To change the system language, from the Home screen, select
Configure > Preferences > Language and then select the
Auto Magneticautomatically sets the magnetic declination for
language.
your location.
Truesets true north as the heading reference. Configuring Navigation Preferences
Gridsets grid north as the heading reference (000). To change navigation preferences, from the Home screen, select
Configure > Preferences > Navigation.
User Magneticallows you to set the magnetic variation value.
Route Labelsfor saved routes, this determines whether route
Position Formatchange the coordinate style in which a given
turns are indicated by number (Turn 1, Turn 2, and so on) or by
location reading appears. Do not change the position format unless
waypoint name, or whether the description of turns is hidden.
you are using a map or chart that specifies a different position
format. Turn Transitionset how much time or how far before a turn in a
route that you transition to the next leg.
Map Datumchange the coordinate system in which the map is
structured. Do not change the map datum unless you are using a map Speed Sourcesspecify the sensor used for wind numbers and fuel
or chart that specifies a different map datum. economy. Select Wind or Fuel Economy to toggle between water
(from a water-speed sensor) and GPS (from the calculated GPS
Timeset the time options.
speed).
Time Formatselect 12-hour, 24-hour, or UTC time format.
Auto Guidanceset the automatic guidance parameters:
Time Zoneset the time zone you want displayed for time
readings. Safe Depthset the minimum depth (chart depth datum) to
allow when calculating an automatic guidance path. A safe depth
DST (Daylight Saving Time)select Off, On, or Auto. The
of less than one meter is not allowed when using automatic
auto setting automatically turns daylight saving time on or off,
guidance.
depending on the time of year.

Safe Heightset the minimum height (chart height datum) of a NMEA Standardsupports the input or output of standard
bridge that your boat can safely travel under. NMEA 0183 data, DSC, and sonar NMEA input support for the
Shoreline Distanceset the safe distance for your boat from the DPT, MTW, and VHW sentences.
shore: Nearest, Near, Normal, Far, or Farthest. NMEA High Speedsupports the input or output of standard
0183 data for most AIS receivers.
Configuring Communications Settings NMEA 0183 Setupenable or disable NMEA 0183 output
To change the communications settings from the Home screen, sentences for sounder, route, system, and Garmin NMEA settings.
select Configure > Communications.
Serial Port 1configures the input/output format for serial port 1 to To enable or disable NMEA 0183 output sentences:
use when connecting your chartplotter to external NMEA devices, a 1. From the Home screen, select Configure > Communications >
computer, or other Garmin devices. NMEA 0183 Setup.
2. Select a setting (Sounder, Route, System, or Garmin).
Serial Port 2 (if supported)configures the input/output format for
3. Select the NMEA 0183 output sentence to toggle the output on or
serial port 2 to use when connecting your chartplotter to external off.
NMEA devices, a computer, or other Garmin devices.
Posn. Precisionadjust the number of digits (Two Digits,
Garmin Data Transfersupports the input or output of Three Digits, or Four Digits) to the right of the decimal point
Garmin-proprietary data for communicating with Garmin for transmission of NMEA output.
software. Waypoint IDsdetermine how the unit identifies waypoint
Garmin Remote Sonar Transfer (GPSMAP identifiers (Names or Numbers).
420/450/520/550/525/555)supports the input or output of
Garmin-proprietary sonar data for communicating with Garmin
software.

NMEA 2000 Deviceslists the NMEA 2000 devices on your Setting Navigation Alarms
network. If a NMEA 2000 device has configuration options or To set a navigation alarm from the Home screen, select
settings, select the device for a list of options. Configure > Alarms > Navigation.
Arrivalset an alarm to sound when you are within a specified
Note: Only the following units are NMEA 2000 compatible:
distance or time from a turn or destination waypoint.
GPSMAP 451/451s GPSMAP 526/526s Typeselect whether you want arrival alarms to sound only
GPSMAP 551/551s GPSMAP 556/556s when nearing destinations or when nearing either turns or
CANet Deviceslists the CANet devices on your network. If a destinations. Select Off to disable arrival alarms.
CANet device has configuration options or settings, select the device Activationselect whether the arrival alarm triggers on time to
for a list of options. arrival or distance to arrival.
Note: Only the GPSMAP 420/450/520/550/525/555 (including s Change Time/Change Distanceif you have Activation set to
models) are CANet compatible: Time, select Change Time to set the number of minutes before
arrival that the alarm should sound. If you have Activation set
Setting Alarms to Distance, select Change Distance to set the distance before
You can set the unit to sound an audible alarm when certain arrival that the alarm should sound. Use the Rocker to change
conditions are met. By default, all alarms are turned off. the time or distance.
Anchor Dragset an alarm to sound when you exceed a specified
To set an alarm: drift distance.
1. From the Home screen, select Configure > Alarms.
2. Select an alarm category. Off Courseset an alarm to sound when you are off course by a
specified distance.
3. Select an alarm.
4. Select On to turn on the alarm.
5. Specify alarm information.
Setting System Alarms Water Tempset an alarm to sound when the transducer reports
To set a system alarm from the Home screen, select Configure > a temperature that is 2F (1.1C) above or below the specified
Alarms > System. temperature.
Clockset an alarm using the system (GPS) clock. The unit must Fishset an alarm to sound when the unit detects a suspended
be on for the clock alarm to work. target of the specified symbols.
Batteryset an alarm to sound when the battery reaches a specified
sounds an alarm for all fish sizes.
low voltage.
GPS Accuracyset an alarm to sound when the GPS location sounds an alarm for medium and large fish only.
accuracy falls outside the specified value. sounds an alarm for large fish only.
Setting Sonar Alarms
To set a sonar alarm from the Home screen, select Configure > Setting the Total Fuel Onboard Alarm
Alarms > Sonar. You can configure your chartplotter to sound an alarm when the total
amount of remaining onboard fuel reaches the specified level.
Note: You must be receiving NMEA sonar depth data or using a
Garmin sounder module to configure sonar alarms. Note: To receive fuel-level information, your unit must be
Shallow Waterset an alarm to sound when the depth is less than connected to an external fuel sensor, such as the Garmin GFS 10.
the specified value. To enable the Total Fuel Onboard alarm and set the fuel
Deep Waterset an alarm to sound when the depth is greater than alarm level:
the specified value. 1. From the Home screen, select Configure > Alarms > Fuel >
Total Onboard > On (or Off).
2. If you select On, use the Rocker to indicate the fuel level at
which the alarm should sound.

Configuring My Boat Transducer at Surface

To configure settings for your boat, from the Home screen, select A (+) positive number
shows depth at the bottom
Configure > My Boat.
of the keel.
Keel Offsetoffset the surface reading for the depth of a keel,
making it possible to measure depth from the bottom of the keel Transducer at the
instead of from the transducer location. Enter a positive number to Bottom of the Keel
offset for a keel. Enter a negative number to compensate for a large A (-) negative number
shows depth at the
vessel that may draw several feet of water. surface.
To adjust the Keel Offset:
1. From the Home screen, select Configure > My Boat > Keel
Offset.
Temp Offsetset the temperature offset for the temperature sensor
2. Use the Rocker to enter the measured distance from the of your transducer.
transducer location to the water line or to the keel of the boat.
If you are measuring down to the keel (transducer installed at Calibrate Water Speeduse this menu to calibrate a speed-sensing
the water line), enter a(+) positive number. This shows the device. Follow the on-screen directions for calibration. If you do not
depth at the bottom of the keel. have a speed-sensing device, this menu does not appear.
If you are measuring up to the water line (transducer installed
Note: If the boat is not moving fast enough or the speed sensor is
on the bottom of the keel), enter a(-) negative number. This
not registering a speed, a Speed Too Low message appears. Select
shows the depth at the surface. OK, and safely increase the speed of the boat. If you get the message
3. Select Done to accept the number. again, stop the boat and make sure the speed-sensor wheel is not
stuck. If the wheel turns freely, check the cable connections. If you
continue to get the message, contact Garmin Product Support.
Fuel Capacityenter the total fuel capacity of your boat.

Configuring Other Vessels

To configure settings for boats other than your own, from the
Home screen, select Configure > Other Vessels.
NOTE: To configure AIS or DSC information for other boats, your

unit must be connected to an external AIS or DSC device.
AISturn AIS (Automatic Identification System) on or off. AIS
alerts you to area traffic by providing boat IDs, position, course,
and speed for boats that are within range and equipped with a
transponder.
DSCturn DSC (Digital Selective Calling) on or off.
AIS Alarmturn a safe zone around your boat on or off. This is
used for collision avoidance, and the zone can be customized.
To customize safe-zone settings:
From the Home screen, select Configure > Other Vessels > AIS
Alarm.
Rangechange the measured radius of the safe-zone ring to
a specified distance from 500 ft. to 2.0 nm (or from 150 m to
3.0 km, or from 500 ft. to 2.0 mi).
Time to (Safe Zone)sounds an alarm if AIS or MARPA
determines that a target will intersect the safe zone within the
defined time interval (from 1 to 24 minutes).

Using Sonar
Using Sonar Depth

Temperature
When connected to a transducer, the following chartplotters can be
used as fishfinders: Speed
GPSMAP 420s GPSMAP 450s

Suspended
GPSMAP 421s GPSMAP 451s targets
Range
Transducer
frequency or
beam width
Understanding the Full Screen
Select the Full Screen option to view a full-screen graph of the
Full Screen
transducers sonar readings.
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Full Screen. Understanding the Split Frequency Screen
Use the Split Frequency screen (dual-frequency transducer only) to
view both the 50 kHz and 200 kHz frequencies on the same screen.
A 50 kHz frequency graph appears on the left; a 200 kHz frequency
graph appears on the right.
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Split Frequency.

Using Sonar
Depth, temperature, and speed Depth, temperature,
and speed
Zoomed Zoom
Range window
depthscale Range
Zoom level
Frequencies Transducer frequency

or beam width
Split Frequency
Split Zoom
Understanding The Split Zoom Screen
Use the Split Zoom screen to view the full sonar data from the graph Understanding the Temp Log Screen
and a zoomed in portion on the same screen. If you are using a temperature-capable transducer, the Temp Log
screen keeps a graphic log of temperature readings over time. The
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Split Zoom. current temperature and the depth are shown in the top-left corner.
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Temp Log.

Using Sonar
Press MENU to set the duration and the scale for the log. Fish Symbolsset how the sonar interprets suspended targets.
The unit does not interpret the sonar return data (default).
Temp
and Suspended targets appear as symbols. Background sonar
depth information appears, making the distinction between fish
and structure easier.
Suspended targets appear as symbols with background
Temperature
range information shown. The target depth of each symbol is also
Time displayed.
elapsed
Suspended targets appear as symbols. No background
information appears.
Suspended targets appear as symbols with no background

information shown. The target depth of each symbol is
Temp Log
displayed.
The temperature appears along the right side, and the time
elapsed appears along the bottom. The graph scrolls to the left as Scroll Speedadjust the rate at which the sonar scrolls from
information is received. right to left (Ultrascroll, Fast, Medium, or Slow). If using a
speed-capable transducer, select Auto to have the scroll speed
automatically adjust to the water speed of your boat.
Setting Up Sonar
Use the Sonar Setup screen to define and adjust settings universal to
all sonar screens.
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Sonar Setup.
Using Sonar
Whitelinehighlights the strongest signal from the bottom to help Advanced Sonar Settings
identify its hardness or softness. To adjust advanced sonar settings, press MENU while viewing a
Off (default)turns off whiteline. sonar screen.
Highthe most sensitive setting. Almost all strong returns are Pause SonarStops the scrolling of the sonar screen.
highlighted in white.
To mark a waypoint at a selected depth:
Mediummany strong returns are highlighted in white. 1. While viewing a sonar screen, press MENU > Pause Sonar.
Lowthe least sensitive setting. Only the strongest returns are 2. Use the Rocker to position the pointer over the fish or structure
highlighted in white. you want to mark.
Color Schemeselect White or Blue. This affects the background 3. Press SELECT.
on all sonar screens, but does not change the Temp Log screen. From the paused screen, press MENU > Resume to continue
scrolling.
Surface Noiseshow or hide the sonar returns near the surface of
the water. Hide surface noise to help reduce clutter. Rangeadjust the range of the depth scale on the right side of the
screen (Auto, or to adjust manually, Right or Left).
Data Barsshow or hide battery voltage, water temperature, water
speed (if your transducer is capable), cruising, and navigation. Gaincontrols the sensitivity of the sonar receiver (Auto, or to
adjust manually, Right or Left). To see more detail, increase the
Note: To display water temperature or water speed, the connected gain. If the screen is cluttered, decrease the gain.
transducer must be capable of measuring water temperature, water
speed, or both. Select Auto to display the values. Frequencywhen using a dual frequency transducer, select how
the frequencies appear on-screen (200kHz, 50kHz, Dual, or Auto).

Using Sonar
Zoomzoom in to a section of the full screen. The zoom is off, or

set to No Zoom by default. Four options are available:
No Zoomturns zooming off.
2x Zoomtwice the magnification.
4x Zoomfour times the magnification.
Bottom Locklocks the zoom window to the bottom.
Split Zoomdisplays the Split Zoom screen (page 45).
Depth Linequickly reference a specific depth (Show or Hide). To
set the depth of the reference line, select Show, and then press up or
down on the Rocker.

Digital Selective Calling
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Using the Chartplotter with a VHF Radio
The following table indicates the features that are available when you connect your chartplotter to a VHF radio over a NMEA 0183 network
or a NMEA 2000 network.
Feature NMEA 0183 NMEA 2000 Garmin NMEA Garmin NMEA
VHF Radio VHF Radio 0183 VHF Radio 2000 VHF Radio
The chartplotter can transfer your GPS position to
your radio. If your radio is capable, GPS position X X X X
information is transmitted with DSC calls.
The chartplotter can receive DSC distress and
X X X X
position information from the radio.
The chartplotter can track the positions
X X X X
of vessels sending position reports.
Quickly set up and send individual routine call
X
details to your Garmin VHF radio.
When you initiate a man-overboard distress call
from your radio, the chartplotter displays the man-
X
overboard screen and prompts you to navigate to
the man-overboard point.
When you initiate a man-overboard distress call
from your chartplotter, the radio displays the
X
Distress Call page to initiate a man-overboard
distress call.

To turn DSC on or off: Receiving Distress Calls

1. Select Configure > Other Vessels. If your Garmin chartplotter and VHF radio are connected via NMEA
2. Select DSC to toggle it on or off. 0183 or NMEA 2000, your chartplotter alerts you when your VHF
radio receives a DSC distress call. If position information was sent
Adding a DSC Contact with the distress call, that information is also available and recorded
You can make calls to a DSC contact from the chartplotter. See with the call.
page 52 for information on making an individual routine call.
The symbol designates a distress call in the DSC List and marks
1. While viewing a chart, press MENU > Other Vessels > DSC > the position of a vessel on the Navigation chart at the time the DSC
DSC List > Add Contact.
distress call was sent.
2. Use the Rocker to enter the Maritime Mobile Service Identity
(MMSI) number of the vessel, and press SELECT. When you receive a DSC distress call:
3. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the name of the vessel, and 1. Select Review to view details about the call.
select Done. 2. Complete one of the following:
Select Call with Radio to set up an individual routine call with
Viewing the DSC List the radio to call the vessel in distress (page 52). This option
The DSC list is a log of the most-recent DSC calls and other DSC is only available if you are using a Garmin NMEA 2000-
contacts you have entered. The DSC list can contain up to 100 compatible VHF radio.
entries. The DSC list shows the most-recent call from a boat. If a Select Edit to edit the vessel name and add a comment. If
second call is received from the same boat, it replaces the first call in your radio is tracking the position of the vessel, select Trail to
the call list. show or hide the trail line for the vessel, and select Trail Line
to change the line color. Select Clear Report to delete the
From a chart screen, press MENU > Other Vessels > DSC > DSC call report. Select Create Waypoint to set a waypoint at the
List. position sent with the distress call.

Man-Overboard Distress Calls Initiated Position Tracking

from a VHF Radio When you connect your Garmin chartplotter to a VHF radio using
When your Garmin chartplotter is connected to a Garmin NMEA NMEA 0183, you can track vessels that send position reports. This
2000-compatible radio and you initiate a man-overboard DSC feature is also available with NMEA 2000, provided that the vessel
distress call from your radio, your Garmin chartplotter displays the sends the correct PGN data (PGN 129808; DSC Call Information).
man-overboard screen and prompts you to navigate to the man- Every position report call received is logged in the DSC list
overboard point. If you have a Garmin autopilot system connected (page 36).
to the network, your chartplotter prompts you to start a Williamson
turn to the man-overboard point. To view a list of position reports:
1. From the Home screen, select Information > Other Vessels >
If you cancel the man-overboard distress call on the radio, the man DSC List.
overboard screen no longer appears. 2. Select from the following options:
Select Call with Radio to set up an individual routine call
Man-Overboard Distress Calls Initiated with the radio to call the vessel that sent the position report.
from the Chartplotter This option is only available if you are using a Garmin NMEA
When your Garmin chartplotter is connected to a Garmin NMEA 2000compatible VHF radio.
2000-compatible radio and you activate navigation to a man- Select Edit to edit the vessel name and the vessel symbol,
overboard location, the radio displays the Distress Call page to and add a comment. If your radio is tracking the position
initiate a man-overboard distress call. On the radio, press and hold of the vessel, select Trail to show or hide the trail line for
the vessel, and select Trail Line to change the line color.
the DISTRESS key for at least three seconds to send the distress
Select Clear Report to delete the call report. Select Create
call. Waypoint to set a waypoint at the position sent with the
For information on placing distress calls from your Garmin radio, distress call.
see your Garmin VHF Radio Owners Manual. For information on Select Clear Report to delete the call report.
activating navigation to a man-overboard location, see page 24.
Select Navigate To to Go To or Route To the location sent 3. Select Trail.

with the position report (page 11).
To change the symbol and color of the trail line for a vessel:
Configuring Vessel Trails on the Navigation Chart 1. From the Home screen, select Information > Other Vessels >
If you have your chartplotter configured to show trails, the DSC List.
Navigation chart displays a black dot for each reported position, 2. Select the vessel from the list > Edit.
a black line indicating the path of the vessel, and a Blue Flag 3. Select an option:
symbol indicating the last reported position. Select Symbol to edit the symbol.
To set the duration of displayed trail points: Select Trail Line to edit the line color.
1. From a chart screen, press MENU > Other Vessels > DSC >
DSC Trails. Placing an Individual Routine Call
2. Select the number of hours to show tracked vessels on the When you connect your Garmin chartplotter to a Garmin VHF
Navigation chart. For example, if you select 4 Hours, all NMEA 2000-compatible radio, you can use the chartplotter interface
trail points (less than four hours old) for tracked vessels are to set up an individual routine call. When setting up an individual
displayed. routine call from your chartplotter, you can select one of the
To turn trail lines off for tracked vessels:
following channels on which you want to communicate. The radio
1. From a chart screen, press MENU > Other Vessels > DSC > transmits this request with your call.
DSC Trails. The selection of a DSC channel is limited to those channels that are
2. Select Off to turn trails off for every vessel. available in all frequency bands: 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 67, 68,
To show or hide the trail line for a specific vessel that is 69, 71, 72, 73, or 77.
sending position reports:
1. From the Home screen, select Information > Other Vessels > NOTE: The default channel is 72. However, select Channel to select
a different channel from the list. If you select a different channel, the
DSC > DSC List.
chartplotter uses that channel for subsequent calls until you call using
2. Select the vessel from the list > Edit. a different channel.

To make an individual routine call:

1. While viewing a chart, press MENU > Other Vessels > DSC >
DSC List.
2. Select the station to call from the list.
3. Select Review > Call with Radio.
4. Select Send to send the information about the call to the radio.
5. On your Garmin VHF radio, select Call.
Calling an AIS Target

When you connect your Garmin chartplotter to a Garmin VHF
NMEA 2000-compatible radio, you can use the chartplotter interface
to set up an individual routine call to an AIS target. For more
information on selecting a channel other than the default channel
(Channel 72), see (page 52).
To make an individual routine call to an AIS target:
1. While viewing a chart, use the Rocker to select an AIS
target .
2. Select AIS Vessel > Call with Radio.
3. Select Send to send the information about the call to the radio.
4. On your Garmin VHF radio, select Call.

Appendix
Appendix Performance
Receiver: Differential-ready 12 parallel channel WAAS-capable
Specifications receiver
Acquisition Times:*
Physical Specifications
Size : 400 Series: W H D: 5.7 in. 5.0 in. 3.0 in.
(14.5 cm 12.7 cm 7.6 cm)
500 Series: W H D: 5.9 in. 6.4 in. 2.9 in.
(15.0 cm 16.3 cm 7.4 cm)
Warm: Approximately 15 seconds
Weight: 400 Series: 1.30 lb. (560g)
Cold: Approximately 45 seconds
500 Series: 1.75 lb. (800g)
AutoLocate (factory reset): Approximately 2 minutes
Display: GPSMAP 420/421/450/451: 4.0 in. diagonal (10.6 cm),
QVGA display with adjustable brightness, 320 234 pixels.
GPSMAP 520/521/550/551: 5.0 in. diagonal (12.7 cm), QVGA
Warm: Approximately 1 second
display with adjustable brightness, 320 240 pixels.
Cold: Approximately 38 seconds
GPSMAP 525/526/555/556: 5.0 in. diagonal (12.7 cm), Full AutoLocate (factory reset): Approximately 45 seconds
VGA display with adjustable brightness, 640 480 pixels,
*Average acquisition times for a stationary receiver with a clear
capable of 4,096colors.
view of the sky.
Case: Fully gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy, waterproof to
Update Rate: 1/second, continuous
IEC 529 IPX7 standards.
GPS Accuracy:
Temp. Range: From 5F to 131F (from -15C to 55C)
Position: <49 ft. (15 m), 95% typical
Compass-Safe Distance: 38 in. (95 cm) Velocity: 0.164 ft./sec 0.05 m/sec steady state

Appendix
WAAS Accuracy: Depth: 2,500 ft. (762 m) (1 kW), 1,500 ft. (457 m) (dual frequency),
Position: <10 ft. (3 m), 95% typical* 900 ft (274 m) (dual beam)**
Velocity: 0.05 m/sec steady state *1 kW transducers are supported by the GPSMAP 525s/526s/
Dynamics: 6 g 555s/556s units only.
Power **Depth capacity is dependent on water salinity, bottom type,
Power Source: 1032 Vdc and other water conditions.
GPSMAP 521/521s GPSMAP 526/526s Alarms and Messages
GPSMAP 551/551s GPSMAP 556/556s The unit uses an on-screen message system to alert you to unit
Power Source: 1035 Vdc operating characteristics. When a message appears, press MENU to
GPSMAP 420/420s GPSMAP 450/450s acknowledge the message.
GPSMAP 520/520s GPSMAP 525/525s Accuracy Alarmthe GPS accuracy has fallen outside of the user-
GPSMAP 550/550s GPSMAP 555/555s set value.
Usage: 15 W max at 13.8 Vdc AIS: Dangerous Targetshows the MMSI (Maritime Mobile
Fuse: AGC/3AG - 3.0 A Service Identity) of the dangerous target.
Sonar Alarm Clockthe alarm clock has sounded.
Power: 1 kW Transducer, 1,000 W (RMS),
Anchor Drag Alarmyou have drifted out of the specified distance
8,000 W (peak to peak)*;
range.
Dual Frequency, 500 W (RMS), 4,000 W (peak to peak);
Dual Beam, 400 W (RMS), 3,200 W (peak to peak) Antenna Input is Shorteda part of the antenna wiring is
Frequency: 50/200 kHz (dual frequency and 1 kW), 80/200 kHz contacting the chassis.
(dual beam)

Appendix
Arriving At [Waypoint Name]you arrived at the destination Cant Write User Card, Card May Be Fullerror reading card;
waypoint. You can Stop Navigation when this message appears. remove and reinsert. Contact your dealer or Garmin Product Support
if the problem persists.
Battery Alarmbattery voltage has fallen below the value entered
in the Battery Alarm setup. Cant Write User Card, Card Is Read-Onlythe SD card in your
unit contains data copy protection.
Battery Voltage Is Too Hightoo much input voltagethe unit
shuts off in 10 seconds. Decrease the input voltage to 35 Vdc or less. Card NeededYour unit needs to have an SD card inserted into the
SD card slot in order to perform the function you requested.
Boat Is Not Moving Fast Enough to Calibratethe boat is not
moving fast enough for the speed wheel to provide a valid speed. DSC Position Report Received Fromshows the MMSI or name
associated with an MMSI.
Cant Read User Carderror reading card; remove and reinsert.
Contact your dealer or Garmin Product Support if the problem Database Errorinternal problem with the unit. Contact your
persists. dealer or Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced.
Cant Read Voltages That High, Limited To Top Of Rangethe Deep Water Alarmthe Deep Water Alarm depth has been
voltage value in the Battery Alarm setup is higher than the unit can reached.
read.
Directory Item With This MMSI Already Existsthe MMSI
Cant Read Voltages That Low, Limited To Bottom Of number is already in the DSC directory. Use a different number.
Rangevoltage value in the Battery Alarm setup is lower than the
Directory Memory is Full, Cant Create Entrythe DSC
voltage where the unit automatically turns off.
directory has reached the maximum of 100 contacts. Delete
Cant Unlock Mapsdata on the data card is not unlocked for the unneeded contacts to add new ones.
unit. Contact your dealer or Garmin Product Support.
Distress Calla DSC distress call has been received. Take
appropriate action.

Appendix
Entering (Leaving) target water temperaturethe target water Off Course Alarmyou are off course the distance set in the Off
temperature is 2F (1.1C) above or below the temperature specified Course alarm.
by the Water Temperature Alarm. These messages appear when you
Route Already Existsyou entered a route name that already exists
enter or leave that zone.
in memory. Modify the route name or delete the previous route
Entering Safe Regionthe boat is approaching a safe region as name.
defined by your configuration settings.
Route Fullyou attempted to add more than 250 points to a route.
Entering Unsafe Regionthe boat is approaching an unsafe region Reduce the number of points or create a second route.
as defined by your configuration settings.
Route Truncatedan uploaded route from another device has more
Fish Alarma beep sounds (if enabled) when a fish is detected. than 250 waypoints and was truncated to fit.
This alarm does not show a message banner.
Route Waypoint Memory Fullno additional route waypoints can
Invalid MMSIenter a valid MMSI. be saved.
Lost Satellite Receptionthe unit has lost satellite signals. Check Shallow Water Alarmthe Shallow Water Alarm depth has been
antenna connections or try moving to a location with a clear view of reached.
the sky.
Sonar Service Incompatiblethe external sonar device you are
NMEA Depth Is Below Transduceryou must enter an connected to needs a software update.
appropriate Keel Offset for the transducer (page 42).
Sonar Timeoutthere is an internal problem with the unit. Contact
No Waypoints/Routes/Tracks/User Waypoints Foundattempted your dealer or Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced.
to transfer user data from an SD card that does not contain the
Sonar Service Lostthe external sonar device you were connected
specified type of data. Make sure there is data to transfer on the SD
to has either been disconnected or the unit has lost communication
card.
with the sonar device for some other reason.

Appendix
Track Already Exists [Track Name]you entered a saved track Warning: Auto-guidance route starting and ending position
name that already exists in memory. Modify the track name or delete moved due to safe depth settingsthe auto-guidance route was
the existing track. calculated but the starting and ending positions were moved because
of safe depth settings.
Track Log Fullthe track log is full and track recording has been
turned off. To record more track points, you need to clear the track Water Speed Sensor Is Not Workingthe speed sensor is not
log and turn track recording on. This only appears when the track detected. Check the connections.
recording setting is set to Stop When Full.
Water Temperature Alarmsonar has reported a temperature
Track Memory is Full, Cant Create Trackthe track log above, below, inside, or outside the specified values.
memory is full. No additional track log data can be stored without
Waypoint Already Existsyou entered a waypoint name that
deleting old data to create memory space.
already exists in memory. Modify the waypoint name or delete the
Track Truncateda complete uploaded track does not fit into existing waypoint.
memory. The oldest track log points were deleted to make space for
Waypoint Memory Fullyou have used all 1,500 waypoints
the most recent data.
available. Delete unwanted waypoints to make space for new entries
Transducer Disconnected, Sonar Turned Offthere is not
a transducer attached, there is a bad cable or transducer, or the Capturing Screenshots
transducer cable was disconnected. If the transducer cable is You can capture a screenshot of any screen displayed on your unit as
removed while the unit is on, reconnect and cycle power. a bitmap (.BMP) file and then transfer it to your computer.
Transfer Completethe unit has finished uploading or To capture screenshots:
downloading information to the connected device. 1. Insert an SD card into the SD card slot on the front of the unit.
User Card Not Found, Please Insert Cardattempted to transfer 2. Select Configure > System > Beeper/Display.
user data without an SD card containing user data being present in 3. Select Screenshot Capture to turn screenshot captures On.
the SD card slot.
Appendix
4. When you are on a screen you want to capture, press and hold using an eyeglass lens cleaner (that is specified as safe for anti-
the HOME button for at least six seconds. reflective coatings) and a clean, lint-free cloth.
5. Select OK when the Screenshot Taken window is displayed.
NMEA 2000
To copy the screenshots to your computer:
The following GPSMAP 400 and GPSMAP 500 series chartplotters
1. Remove the SD card from the chartplotter and insert it into an SD
are NMEA 2000 certified and can receive data from a NMEA 2000
card reader that is attached to a computer.
network installed on the boat.
2. From Windows Explorer, open the Garmin\scrn folder on the SD
card. GPSMAP 451/451s GPSMAP 526/526s
3. Copy the appropriate .BMP file on the card and paste it to any GPSMAP 551/551s GPSMAP 556/556s
location on the computer.
To connect one of these chartplotter to an existing NMEA 2000
network and to see a list of supported NMEA 2000 PGN numbers,
Caring for the Unit see the GPSMAP 400/500 Series Installation Instructions.
The case is constructed of high-quality materials and does not
require user maintenance, except cleaning.
Cleaning the Case

Clean the units outer casing (except for the screen) using a cloth
dampened with a mild detergent solution and then wipe dry. Avoid
chemical cleaners and solvents that may damage plastic components.
Cleaning the Screen

The lens on the screen is coated with a special anti-reflective coating
that is sensitive to skin oils, waxes, and abrasive cleaners. Cleaners
containing ammonia, alcohol, abrasives, or anti-grease detergents
will harm the anti-reflective coating. It is important to clean the lens
Appendix
Software License Agreement

BY USING THE UNIT, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT.
PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY.
Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this device
(the Software) in binary executable form in the normal operation of the product.
Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property rights in and to the Software
remain in Garmin.
You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and is protected
under the United States of America copyright laws and international copyright
treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure, organization, and code of
the Software are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and that the Software in source
code form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin. You agree not to decompile,
disassemble, modify, reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or reduce to human
readable form the Software or any part thereof or create any derivative works based
on the Software. You agree not to export or re-export the Software to any country in
violation of the export control laws of the United States of America.

Index
Index Beeper/Display 37
BlueChart g2 Vision
current stations 32
customizing
F
factory settings
using 2832 chart settings 12 restoring 6
A bottom lock 48 fish eye 3D 17
aerial photos 20 buttons 5 D settings 17
AIS 36, 43, 53 Dashboard 30 fishing chart 18
AIS Alarm 43 C data Fish Symbols 17, 46
alarms 40, 5558 Calibrate Water Speed 42 transfer 34 frequency 47
AIS 43 Chart/Sonar screen Data Bars Fuel Capacity 42
battery 41 using 21 fish eye 3D chart 18 fuel gauges 31
clock 41 chart data 10 Navigation chart 9 full screen, sonar 44
collision 43 charts perspective 3D chart 15 fuse 55
deep water 41 detail 13 sonar 47
fish 41 fish eye 3D 17 Data Transfer 33 G
fuel 41 fishing 18 Declaration of Conformity iv gain 47
GPS accuracy 41 mariners eye 3D 16 delete a waypoint 25 Garmin Data Transfer 39
navigation 40 navigation 8 depth line 48 gauges
safe-zone 43 settings 12 depth waypoint 47 fuel 31
shallow water 41 Clear User Data 33 detail 13 go to 22
sonar 41 collision alarm 43 Display 37 GPS 5, 37, 54
water temp 41 colors, hazard 17 Distress Calls 50 Grid (North) 38
arrival alarms 40 Color Scheme 47 DSC 43, 49 guide to 22
Auto Magnetic 38 Communications 39 contact 50
automatic guidance 21, 38 Compass 30 list 50 H
autopilot 29 compass rose 12 Hazard Colors 17
compass tape 15 E heading 38
B contact information, Garmin iv edit a route 26 Heading Line 13
backing up data 35 course up 13 edit existing waypoint 24 Head Up 13
backlight EGNOS 37 HOME key 5
adjusting 4

Index
I NMEA 2000 Setup 40 power source 55 screenshots 58

ID number 6 NMEA High Speed 39 product registration iv scroll speed 46
NMEA Standard 39 SD cards
K north Q inserting 6
keel offset 42 grid 38 quick links i removing 6
keypad 5 magnetic 38 SELECT key 5
true 38
R Serial Port setup 39
L north up 13
radio 49
Service Points 12
Lane Width 15, 17 Range (sonar) 47
No Zoom 48 settings
Language 38 Range keys 5
numbers alarms 40
Range Rings 15, 17
customizing 30 chart 12
M overlay numbers 10
registering your product iv
communications 39
Man Overboard 24, 51 restoring factory settings 6
viewing 30 fish eye 3D 17
map datum 38 Rocker key 5
initializing 3
MapSource data 33 O Roses 12
language 38
mariners eye 3D object information routes
navigation preferences 38
colors 17 accessing 12 creating 25
system 37
mark current location 24 odometer 31 deleting 26
units of measure 37
MENU key 5 Other Vessels 43 editing 26
Shoreline Distance 39
messages 55 labels 38
simulator 37
move a waypoint 24 P viewing 33
mode 6
My Boat 42 Pause Sonar 47 route to 22
Skyview 37
Perspective 3D 15
N S software license agreement 60
photos 12
Navaid Type 14 safe-zone settings 43 software version 37
physical specifications 54
Navigate To 11, 23, 25, 26, 52 Points of Interest (POI) 14, 21, 28 Safe Depth 17, 38
Navigation Alarms 40 Position Format 38 Safe Height 39
navigation charts 8 position tracking 51 Safety Shading 14
navigation preferences 38 Posn. Precision 39 satellite imagery
New Waypoint 15 Power/Backlight key 5 enabling 19
NMEA 0183 Setup 39 Save To Card 34, 35, 37
Index
sonar Time (options) 38 Waypoint IDs 39
advanced settings 47 tracks 18, 26 waypoints 15
cone 17 transducer creating 24
full screen 44 dual frequency 47 deleting 24, 25
scroll speed 46 transferring data 33, 34 depth 47
setting up 4647 Trip Odometer 31 edit existing 15, 24
specifications 55 True (north) 38 mark current location 24
split frequency 44 turn the unit off 3 moving 24
split zoom 45 Turn Transition 38 viewing 33
temperature log 45 Where To 22
Sonar Setup 46 U Whiteline 47
specifications 54 unit ID number 6
Speed Filter 37 units of measure 37 Z
Speed Sources 38 user data zoom 48
Split Frequency 44 backing up 34 2x 48
Split Zoom 45 clearing 33 4x 48
spot depths 14 transferring 34 split 48
Surface Noise 47 viewing 33
symbols 14
System Alarms 41
V
version (software) 37
System Information 37
VHF radio 49
viewing 6
viewing
system settings 37
currents 32
T other boats 35
Temp Log 45 tide stations 32
Temp Offset 42 user data 33
Tides/Currents 12
tide stations 32
W
WAAS 37
viewing information 12
water temperature 57
For the latest free software updates (excluding map data) throughout the life of your
Garmin products, visit the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com.
2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.

1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.

Liberty House, Hounsdown Business Park, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9LR UK
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
www.garmin.com
May 2009 Part Number 190-01074-10 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

Gpsmap 400/500 Series: Owner's Manual

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Gpsmap 400/500 Series: Owner's Manual

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GPSMAP 400/500 series

May 2009 Part Number 190-01074-10 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

Introduction press SELECT. Then highlight Navigation Chart, and press

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 

Table of Contents Using Mariners Eye 3D.............................................................. 16

Configuring the Chartplotter.............................................37 Digital Selective Calling (DSC)..........................................49

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual iii

Hg - lamps inside this product contain

iv GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Power/Data External GPS SD card slot

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 

GPSMAP 526/556 GPSMAP 421/451/521/551

 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Turning the Unit On or Off Initializing Unit Settings

Minimum Safe Depthselect the minimum safe depth for your

 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

POWER/BACKLIGHTPress and hold to turn the unit on or off;

Using Simulator Mode Restoring the Original Factory Settings

To turn on Simulator mode: Inserting and Removing SD Cards

 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Sonarset up and access sonar information (page 44).

Understanding the Home Screen

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 

 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Other Vesselsview information about other vessels if

Navigation Chart with g2 Vision

Navigation Chart Menu Data

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 

10 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Panning the Navigation Chart

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 11

Accessing Additional Object Information Viewing Tide-Station Information

Selected Changing the Navigation Chart Settings

12 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Detailadjusts the amount of detail shown on the map at different

Press left on Press right on

Changing the Chart Appearance

14 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Using Perspective 3D Waypointsview, sort, or filter existing waypoints, or create

Mariners Eye 3D Settings

16 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Note: You must have an s series unit (such as a GPSMAP 420s)

Fish Eye 3D Settings

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 17

The Fishing chart uses detailed bathymetric data on a

18 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Enabling High Resolution Satellite Imagery

Photo Overlay at 50% Photo Overlay at 100%

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 19

Viewing Current-station Information

20 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Detailed Road and POI Data

Using Automatic Guidance Sonar

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual 21

Where To? Navigating to a Destination

22 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

Creating and Using Waypoints To edit an existing waypoint:

24 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

To delete a waypoint or an MOB:

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owners Manual