GPSMAP 500 series

owner’s manual
© 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Garmin Corporation
1200 East 151st Street, Liberty House No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Hounsdown Business Park, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020 Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax (913) 397.8282 Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK) Fax 886/2.2642.9099
0808 2380000 (within the UK)
Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251

All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any
storage medium, for any purpose without the express prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this manual
onto a hard drive 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 prohibited.
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 obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (www.garmin.com)
for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.
Garmin® is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. GPSMAP®, AutoLocate®, BlueChart®, BlueChart® g2 Vision™,
TracBack®, BlueChart®, MapSource®, and Ultrascroll™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express
permission of Garmin. XM WX Weather and XM Radio are trademarks of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.

August 2007 Part Number 190-00758-00 Rev. C Printed in Taiwan

 Introduction

Introduction
This manual includes information for the following products:
GPSMAP® 520/520s GPSMAP® 525/525s
GPSMAP® 530/530s GPSMAP® 535/535s Quick Links
GPSMAP® 540/540s GPSMAP® 545/545s • Turning the Unit On or Off: page 2.
GPSMAP® 550/550s GPSMAP® 555/555s • Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals page 4.
• Inserting and Removing SD Cards: page 5.
Tips and Shortcuts
• Restoring Factory Settings: page 5.
• Press HOME from any screen to return to the Home screen.
• Using the Navigation Chart: page 7.
• Press MENU from any of the main screens to access
advanced settings. • Changing the Chart Settings: page 16.
• Press and release the POWER key to adjust the display • Navigating to a Destination: page 19.
settings. • Creating a Waypoint: page 21.
• Configuring System Settings: page 29.
Manual Conventions • Using Sonar: page 35.
In this manual, when you are instructed to select an item, small
arrows (>) appear in the text. They indicate that you should highlight • Installing the Unit: page 39.
a series of items on the screen using the ROCKER, and press • Alarms and Messages: page 55.
the SELECT key after each item. For example, if you see “select
Charts > Navigation Chart,” you should highlight Charts, and
press SELECT. Then highlight Navigation Chart, and press
SELECT again.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 

Introduction

Table of Contents Using BlueChart g2 Vision.................................................... 11

Using Mariner’s Eye 3D......................................................... 12
Introduction............................................................................i Using Fish Eye 3D.................................................................. 13
Tips and Shortcuts.................................................................... i Using Fishing Charts............................................................. 13
Manual Conventions................................................................. i Enabling High Resolution Satellite Imagery........................ 14
Quick Links................................................................................ i Viewing Aerial Photos............................................................ 15
Warnings.................................................................................. iv Viewing Current Station Information.................................... 16
Important Information............................................................. iv Detailed Road and POI Data.................................................. 16
Using Automatic Guidance.................................................... 16
Getting Started......................................................................1 Changing the Chart Settings................................................. 16
Unit Overview........................................................................... 1
Using the Chart/Sonar Screen.............................................. 18
Turning the Unit On or Off....................................................... 2
Adjusting the Backlight........................................................... 2 Where To.............................................................................19
Using the Keypad..................................................................... 3 Navigating to a Destination................................................... 19
Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals............................................. 4 Creating and Using Waypoints............................................. 21
Using Simulator Mode............................................................. 4 Creating and Using Routes................................................... 23
Viewing System Information................................................... 5 Viewing Information...........................................................25
Restoring Factory Settings..................................................... 5 Viewing Numbers................................................................... 25
Inserting and Removing SD Cards......................................... 5 Viewing Tide Station Information.......................................... 26
Understanding the Home Screen............................................ 6 Viewing Current Information................................................. 26
Using Charts.........................................................................7 Viewing Celestial Information............................................... 27
Using the Navigation Chart..................................................... 7 Viewing User Data.................................................................. 27
Using the Split Navigation Chart.......................................... 11 Viewing Other Boats.............................................................. 28

ii GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Introduction
Configuring the Unit...........................................................29 Appendix.............................................................................53
Configuring System Settings................................................ 29 Specifications......................................................................... 53
Changing Units of Measure................................................... 29 Product Registration.............................................................. 54
Configuring Communications Settings................................ 30 Caring for the Unit.................................................................. 54
Setting Alarms........................................................................ 31 Alarms and Messages............................................................ 55
Configuring My Boat.............................................................. 32 Weather Data Warranty.......................................................... 59
Configuring Other Boats....................................................... 34 XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement................................. 60
Configuring XM Audio............................................................ 34 Software License Agreement................................................ 60
Using Sonar........................................................................35 Limited Warranty.................................................................... 61
Understanding the Full Screen............................................. 35 FCC Compliance..................................................................... 62
Understanding the Flasher.................................................... 35 Industry Canada Compliance................................................ 62
Understanding the Split Freq Screen................................... 36 Declaration of Conformity (DoC).......................................... 62
Understanding The Split Zoom Screen................................ 36 Optional Accessories............................................................. 62
Understanding the Temp Log Screen................................... 37 Index....................................................................................63
Setting Up Sonar.................................................................... 37
Advanced Sonar Settings...................................................... 38
Installing The Unit..............................................................39
Step 1: Select a Location....................................................... 39
Step 2: Mount the Unit........................................................... 40
Step 3: Install the Transducer............................................... 42
Step 4: Install the Wiring Harness........................................ 48
Step 5: Test the Installation................................................... 51

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual iii

Introduction

Warnings
Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could • Use the electronic chart in the unit only to facilitate, not to replace,
result in an accident or collision resulting in death or serious injury. the use of authorized government charts. Official government charts
• When navigating, carefully compare information displayed on and notices to mariners contain all information needed to navigate
the unit to all available navigation sources, including information safely.
from visual sightings, and maps. For safety, always resolve any • Use this unit only as a navigational aid. Do not attempt to use the
discrepancies or questions before continuing navigation. unit for any purpose requiring precise measurement of direction,
distance, location, or topography.

WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive
harm. This Notice is provided in accordance with California’s Proposition 65. See www.garmin.com/prop65 for more information.

Hg - lamps inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local,
state, or federal laws.

For more information go to:

www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/environment/disposal.jsp.

Important Information
MAP DATA INFORMATION: One of the goals of Garmin is to provide customers with the most complete and accurate cartography that is available to us at a
reasonable cost. We use a combination of governmental and private data sources, which we identify in product literature and copyright messages displayed to the
consumer. Virtually all data sources contain some inaccurate or incomplete data. In some countries, complete and accurate map information is either not available
or is prohibitively expensive.
The California Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 requires the recycling of certain electronics. For more information on the applicability to this product, see
www.erecycle.org.
iv GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual
 Getting Started

Getting Started
Unit Overview

Power/Data GXM 31 antenna External GPS SD card slot

antenna

GPSMAP 545s shown

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 

Getting Started

Turning the Unit On or Off Adjusting the Backlight

Press and hold the POWER key until the unit beeps and the 1. Press and release the POWER key.
Garmin screen appears. When the Warning screen appears, press 2. Select Backlight and press left or right on the ROCKER to
SELECT to open the Home screen. manually adjust the backlight.

Note: The first time you power on your unit, you must go
through a setup sequence. See page 51 for details.

Warning Screen Home Screen

 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Getting Started
To switch between Day and Night mode: Using the Keypad
1. Press and release the POWER key.
2. Select Day/Night Mode. POWER/
BACKLIGHT
3. Press left or right on the ROCKER to switch between modes.
RANGE (-/+)
ROCKER
MARK
SELECT
MENU
HOME

POWER/BACKLIGHT—Press and hold to turn the unit on or off;

press and release to adjust the backlight and day/night modes.
RANGE (-/+)—Press to adjust the range of the sonar; zoom in or
out on a chart.
ROCKER—Press up, down, left, or right to move through menus,
highlight fields, and enter data.
MARK—Press to mark a waypoint.
SELECT—Press to select highlighted items and confirm on-
screen messages.
HOME—Press to return to the Home screen.
MENU—Press to access additional settings and configuration
options; press to return to the previous screen when indicated.
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 
Getting Started

Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals Using Simulator Mode

When you turn on the unit, the GPS receiver must collect satellite Simulator Mode turns the GPS receiver off for use indoors or for
data and establish its current location. If the unit cannot establish a practice. The unit does not track satellites in Simulator Mode.
location, the Initialize Position screen appears.
Caution: Do not try to navigate using Simulator Mode
because the GPS receiver is turned off. Any satellite signal
strength bars shown are only simulations and do not represent
the strength of actual satellite signals.

To turn on Simulator Mode

1. From the Home screen select Configure > System >
Simulator.
2. Select Setup to set speed, track control, and position.

When the unit acquires satellite signals, the signal strength bars
at the top of the Home screen are green . When the unit loses
satellite signals, the green bars disappear .
For more information about GPS, visit the Garmin Web site at
www.garmin.com/aboutGPS.

 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Getting Started

Viewing System Information Inserting and Removing SD Cards

You can view your unit’s software version, basemap version, and Your unit supports Secure Digital (SD) cards. Insert optional
unit ID number. You may need this information to update the system BlueChart® g2 Vision™ SD cards to view high-resolution satellite
software or purchase additional map data information. imagery, and aerial reference photos of ports, harbors, marinas and
other points of interest. Insert blank SD cards to transfer data such as
From the Home screen, select Configure > System > System
waypoints, routes, and tracks to another compatible Garmin unit or a
Information.
PC. The SD card slot is located on the bottom-right corner of the unit.
Restoring Factory Settings To insert the SD card, press it in until it clicks.
You can restore your unit to the original factory settings.
Caution: This procedure deletes any information you have
entered.

To restore factory settings:

1. From the Home screen, select Configure > System >
System Information.
2. Select Factory Settings.
3. Select Yes to restore all factory settings. Otherwise, select
No to cancel.

To remove the SD card, press in on the SD card. The card pops out.
Note: If using a new, blank SD card to transfer waypoints
from MapSource, insert it in your GPSMAP 400/500 series unit
before copying the files from your PC. This prepares the card.
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 
Getting Started

Understanding the Home Screen • Charts—access Navigation, Fishing, Mariner’s Eye 3D, and
Use he Home screen to access all other screens. Fish Eye 3D charts (page 7).
Note: On the GPSMAP 520/520s, 540/540s, 525/525s, and
Note: Options on this screen vary based on the unit type. 545/545s units, you must insert an optional preprogrammed
BlueChart® g2 Vision™ SD card to access the Fishing and Fish
Eye 3D charts.

NOTE: The GPSMAP 530/530s, and 535/535s can use the Fish
Eye 3D (on certain lakes) without additional cards. These units
do not use the Fishing chart.

• Sonar—access sonar information (page 35).

Note: This option is available only if you have a unit with a
built-in sounder or a Garmin sonar module connected.

• Chart/Sonar—set up the screen to view a chart and sonar in a

split screen (page 18).
• Where To?—access navigation features (page 19).
• Information—view information including tides, currents,
celestial data, user data, and information about other boats
(page 25).
• Configure—access unit and system settings (page 29).

 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Using Charts

Using Charts Using the Navigation Chart

Use the navigation chart to plan your course, view map information,
Your unit has a worldwide imagery map, a built-in detailed map
and as a navigational aid.
of US inland lakes, or BlueChart g2 cartography for either the US
shoreline or a specific country. Note: For GPSMAP 520/525 units, you must insert an optional
BlueChart g2 Vision preprogrammed SD card for your region to
• Navigation Chart—displays all relevant navigation data view detailed navigation charts.
available on your preloaded maps, including buoys, lights, cables,
depth soundings, marinas, and tide stations in an overhead view. To access a navigation chart, from the Home screen, select
• Mariner’s Eye—a bird’s eye view from above and behind Charts > Navigation Chart.
your boat, for a visual navigation aid.
Your boat
Note: If you are using a GPSMAP 520/520s or 525/525s, you
must insert an optional BlueChart g2 Vision preprogrammed SD
card to view detailed Navigation and Mariner’s Eye charts. Tide station
Exposed
Fishing Charts and Fish Eye 3D views are available when using wreck
optional Blue Chart® g2 Vision™ preprogrammed SD cards. Beacon
• Fishing Chart—removes navigational data from the preloaded
Light
map, while leaving the bottom contours and depth soundings. Marina
(This is not available on the 530/530s and 535/535s - all contour services
lines and depth soundings appear on the Navigation chart.) Exposed
• Fish Eye 3D—an underwater view that visually represents the rock Zoom scale
sea floor or lake bottom according to the chart’s information.
(This is available for select lakes on 530/530s and 535/535s Navigation Chart with g2 Vision
units without an additional card).
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 
Using Charts
Navigation Chart Settings WEATHER—turn NEXRAD weather data on or off.
To access additional settings or options for the navigation chart,
Note: You must plug the optional GXM 31 antenna into the
press MENU.
XM port on the back of the unit and have a subscription to
Full Screen Map (Show Numbers)—view the navigation or fishing XM Satellite WX Weather to view NEXRAD data. XM is not
chart in full-screen mode, without numbers. Select Show Numbers available on the GPSMAP 520/520s, 525/525s, 550/550s, or
to view numbers again. 555/555s units. For more information on XM WX Weather, see
the GXM 31 Owner’s Manual.

Overlay Numbers—show or hide cruising, sailing, navigation, and

fishing numbers on the navigation or fishing chart.
Chart Setup—customize the navigation chart. See page 16.
Chart Notes—access detailed chart information.
Understanding Chart Data
BlueChart g2 Vision and the US inland lake electronic charts use
graphic symbols to denote map features. These symbols follow the
standards of US and international charts. Other features common
to most charts include depth contour lines (with deep water
represented in white), intertidal zones, spot soundings (as depicted
Full Screen Map Show Numbers on the original paper chart), navigational aids and symbols, and
obstructions and cable areas.

 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Using Charts
Panning the Navigation Chart Zooming In and Out on the Map
Use the map pointer ( ) to pan away from your current location, The Range (+/-) keys control the zoom level, indicated by the scale
and scroll to other areas on the navigation chart. As you pan past at the bottom of the navigation chart ( ). The bar under the
the edge of the current map display, the screen scrolls forward to number represents that distance on the map.
provide continuous map coverage. The position icon ( ) stays at
your present location. Accessing Additional Object Information
Use the map pointer ( ) to view information about on-screen map
As you move the map pointer, you can view the distance and items and waypoints.
bearing from your current location, and the map pointer’s location
coordinates in the lower-right corner of the map. To access additional object information:
1. On the navigation chart, highlight an item with the map
To pan the map, press up, down, right, or left on the ROCKER.
pointer, and press SELECT.

Selected
item

Map
pointer
Position
icon

To stop panning, press MENU, and then select Stop Panning.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 
Using Charts
2. Select the item. If more than one item is in the area, select Viewing Tide Station Information
Review, and then select the item. Tide station information appears on the chart with a detailed icon
(when animated, see page 17) 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 different days.
Use the map pointer ( ) to highlight a tide station icon ( ),
and press SELECT.

Relevant tide level

(when animated)

For more information about tides, see page 26.

10 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Using Charts

Using the Split Navigation Chart Using BlueChart g2 Vision

Use the Split Navigation Chart to view two different zoom levels of Optional BlueChart g2 Vision preprogrammed SD cards allow
the Navigation Chart at the same time. you to get the most out of your unit. In addition to detailed marine
charting, BlueChart g2 Vision has the following features:
• Mariner’s Eye 3D—a bird’s eye view from above and behind the
boat, for a more visual navigation aid. The BlueChart g2 Vision
Near zoom Mariner’s Eye 3D is more detailed than the preloaded data.
• Fish Eye 3D—an underwater view that visually represents the
sea floor according to the chart’s information.
• Fishing Charts—view the chart without navigational data,
leaving only the bottom contours and depth soundings. This
Far zoom chart works best for offshore deep-sea fishing.
• High Resolution Satellite Imagery—high resolution satellite
images are provided for a realistic view of the land and water
on the Navigation chart.
Split Navigation Chart • Aerial Photos—view marinas and other navigationally
(with a BlueChart g2 Vision card) significant aerial photos to help you visualize your surroundings.
The top half of the screen is zoomed in 10 times closer than the • Detailed Roads and POI data—view roads, restaurants, and
bottom half of the screen. The Range (+/-) keys control the zoom other points of interest (POIs) along the shore.
level. • Current Data—view current station information.
Press MENU to view additional settings. See page 8. • Auto Guidance—automatic passage planning software that
helps you determine the best course to your destination.
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 11
Using Charts

Using Mariner’s Eye 3D Mariner’s Eye 3D Settings

Mariner’s Eye 3D provides a bird’s eye view from above and behind To access additional settings or options from the Mariner’s Eye 3D
the boat (according to your course), and provides a visual navigation screen, press MENU.
aid. This view is helpful when navigating tricky shoals, reefs, Colors­—choose between Normal
bridges, or channels, and is beneficial when trying to identify entry (Default), Water Hazard, and
and exit routes in unfamiliar harbors or anchorages. All Hazard. The Normal setting
indicates land in greens and browns,
and the Water Hazard setting
indicates shallow water and land
with a color scale. Blue indicates
deep water, yellow and orange for
shallow water, and red for very
shallow water. All Hazard setting
shows land as dark red.
Rings—toggle the range rings on
or off. Mariner’s Eye 3D
(Water Hazard Colors)
Tracks—turn the track log on or off.
Safe Depth—adjust the depth at which red indicates shallow water.
Mariner's Eye 3D Navigation Chart
Nav Lane Width—adjust the width of the course line drawn when
The RANGE (+) key moves the view closer to your boat and lower navigating.
to the water, while the RANGE (-) key moves the view away from
the boat. When adjusting the range, a scale ( ) appears at the Overlay Numbers—show or hide cruising, navigation, fishing, and
bottom of the screen. sailing numbers.
12 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual
 Using Charts

Using Fish Eye 3D Using Fishing Charts

Using the depth contour lines of the BlueChart g2 Vision Use the Fishing chart for a
cartography, Fish Eye 3D provides an underwater view of the sea detailed, unobstructed view of
floor or lake bottom. The RANGE keys adjust the view in the same the bottom contours and depth
way as the Mariner’s Eye 3D. soundings on the chart.

Fish Eye 3D Settings The Fishing chart uses detailed

To access additional settings bathymetric data on on a
or options for the Fish Eye 3D, preprogrammed BlueChart g2
screen, press MENU. Vision SD card, and is best for
offshore deep-sea fishing.
Sonar Cone—turn a cone on or
To view the Fishing chart,
off that shows the area covered
from the Home screen
by your transducer. select
Sonar Data—visually show Charts > Fishing Chart.
the sonar readings received Note: You need an optional preprogrammed BlueChart g2
by your transducer for the Vision SD card for your region to view detailed fishing charts.
best combination of sonar and
mapping. The setting is either NOTE: Because the detailed bathymetric information used
on or off. Fish Eye 3D by the Fishing Chart is recorded specifically for off-shore
applications, the Fishing Chart is not available on Inland Lakes
Tracks—turn the track log on or off. Vision SD cards.
Overlay Numbers—show or hide cruising, navigation, or fishing
numbers on the chart.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 13

Using Charts

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.
NOTE: This feature is preloaded on the GPSMAP 530/530s and
535/535s units. You do not need an additional SD card.

To enable satellite imagery:

1. While viewing the Navigation Chart, press MENU.
2. Select Chart Setup > Appearance > Photos.
3. Select one of the following: Photo Overlay Off Land Only Photo Overlay
• Off—standard chart information is shown on the map.
• Land Only—standard chart information is shown on
water with photos overlaying the land.
• On—photos 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.
NOTE: When enabled, the high resolution satellite images are
only present at lower zoom levels. If you cannot see the high
resolution images in your BlueChart g2 Vision region, either
zoom in further using the RANGE (+) key, or set the detail level
higher (see page 17).
Photo Overlay at 50% Photo Overlay at 100%

14 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 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
photographs of many landmarks, marinas, and harbors. Use these
➊ highlight a camera with the
photos to help orient yourself to your surroundings or to help pointer.
acquaint yourself with a marina or harbor prior to arrival.
Perspective
• A perspective cone attached to the camera icon shows
the angle at which the aerial photo was taken
Overhead
• A camera icon without a perspective cone indicates an
overhead photo.
➋ Select Aerial Photo.

➌ Select View Fullscreen.

Aerial Photo
Note: Use the RANGE (+/-) keys to zoom in and out while
viewing the aerial photo on the full screen.
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 15
Using Charts

Viewing Current Station Information Changing the Chart Settings

If current stations are available in your g2 Vision To change chart settings, from the Home screen, select Charts >
region, they appear on the navigation chart as a Chart Setup.
highlighted arrow. This detailed icon shows the
Orientation—change the perspective of the map display:
current’s speed and direction at a glance.
Current Station
icon
• North Up—sets the top of the map display to a north heading.
Detailed Road and POI Data • Track Up—sets the map display to the current track heading.
BlueChart g2 Vision contains detailed road and POI data, which • Course Up—sets the map so the direction of navigation is
includes highly detailed coastal roads and points of interest (POIs) always up and turns the course line vertical on the screen.
such as restaurants, lodging, local attractions and more. For
instructions on searching for and navigating to these POIs, see the
“Where To” section beginning on page 19. Track
Heading line
Using Automatic Guidance
Automatic Guidance automatically creates and suggests passage
based on available BlueChart g2 Vision chart information. See
page 32 for instructions on setting up Automatic Guidance for your Chart
boat. The “Where To” section on page 19 has more information on border
how to use Automatic Guidance.

16 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Using Charts
Heading Line—draws an extension from the bow of the boat in the
direction of travel.
• Off—turn off the heading line. Press left on
the ROCKER to Press right on
• Distance—sets the distance to the end of the heading line. the ROCKER to
decrease map
• Time—sets the amount of time until you reach the end of the detail. increase map
heading line. detail.

Chart Borders—turn on chart borders if you load BlueChart g2

Vision maps and you want to see what areas the maps cover.
Tracks—hide (off) or show (on) tracks on the chart.
Appearance—customize how items are shown on the map.
Photos—set optional high resolution satellite images. (page 14)
Changing the Chart Appearance
From the Home screen, select Charts > Chart Setup > Appearance. Spot Depths—turn on spot soundings and set a dangerous depth.
Detail—adjust the amount of detail shown on the map. Light Sectors—adjust the drawing of light sectors on the map.
Symbols—select the navaid symbol set (NOAA or IALA).
Symbol Size—adjust the size of the symbols shown on the map.
Animate Tides­—turn on a detailed icon that shows the relevant tide
level on the Navigation chart. If Off, tide stations appear only as an
icon ( ) on the Navigation chart.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 17

Using Charts

Using the Chart/Sonar Screen To access additional settings or options for the chart/sonar screen,
Use the Chart/Sonar screen to view the Navigation Chart, Fishing press MENU.
Chart, Mariner’s 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.

Navigation
chart screen

Sonar Mariner’s Eye 3D/Sonar

screen
Note: The Chart/Sonar screen, like the Sonar screen, is only
available when using a sonar capable unit with a transducer
attached.
Navigation/Sonar Combination

18 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Where To

Where To Navigating to a Destination

You can search for, and navigate to, nearby destinations including
Use the Where To option on the Home screen to search for, and
fuel, repairs, marinas, waypoints, and routes.
navigate to, nearby fuel, repairs, marinas, ramps, waypoints, and
routes. To begin navigating:
1. From the Home screen, select Where To.
Note: You have to create waypoints and routes before you can
navigate to them. 2. Select the marine service category to which you want to
navigate. The unit shows the list of the 50 nearest locations
You can navigate to a destination using one of three methods: and the distance to each.
Go To, Route To, or Guide To.
• Go To—takes you directly to the destination.
• Route To—creates a route from your location to a destination,
allowing you to add turns to the route.
• Guide To—searches BlueChart g2 Vision chart data to
suggest the best path to your destination.
Caution: Guide To does not assure obstacle and bottom
clearance. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies or questions
before continuing navigation.

“Where To” Categories Nearest “Fuel” Search

Results

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 19

Where To
3. Select the marine service item to which you want to navigate. To stop navigating:
A screen containing information about the selected marine Press MENU, and then select Stop Navigating.
service appears.
To search for a destination by name:
4. Select Navigate To. 1. From the Home screen, select Where To > Search by
5. Select Go To or Route To. Name.
OR 2. Press up or down on the ROCKER to select a number or
Select Guide To when using a preprogrammed BlueChart g2 character; press left or right to move fields.
Vision card to use Auto Guidance. 3. Press SELECT to view the 50 nearest destinations that
6. Follow the colored line on the screen to the destination. contain your search criteria.

20 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Where To

Creating and Using Waypoints To create a new waypoint:

You can store up to 1,500 alphanumeric waypoints with a user- 1. On the Navigation or Fishing chart, move the map pointer to
defined name, symbol, depth, and water temp for each waypoint. the location you want, and press SELECT.
2. Select Create Waypoint.
When you create a waypoint, you can designate it as a Man
Overboard. This marks the point and sets a course back to the
marked location. When Man Overboard is activated, an MOB
waypoint with an international Man Overboard symbol is created
and the unit navigates to that point.

To mark your location:

1. From any screen, press MARK.
2. Select Back to return to the chart, or select Man Overboard
to designate the waypoint as an MOB.
Note: Pressing the MARK key only creates a waypoint at
your present location.

3. Select one of the following:

• Edit Waypoint—customize the waypoint attributes.
• Delete—delete the waypoint.
• Navigate To—go to the waypoint.
• Back—return to the navigation chart.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 21

Where To
To edit a waypoint: To move the waypoint on the navigation chart:
1. Create a new waypoint or select a waypoint on the navigation 1. Select Edit Waypoint > Position > Use Chart.
chart. 2. Use the ROCKER to move the waypoint to a different
2. Select Edit Waypoint. location, and press SELECT.
3. Select the waypoint attribute you want to change (Name, To view a list of all waypoints:
Symbol, Depth, Water Temp, or Position). From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
Waypoints.

22 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Where To

Creating and Using Routes To create a route in another location:

You can create and store up to 20 routes, with up to 250 waypoints 1. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
each. Routes > New Route.

To create a route from your present location:

1. Move the map pointer to a destination, and press SELECT.
2. Select Navigate To > Route To.

Creating a New Route

2. Use the ROCKER to select the route’s starting point, and

press SELECT.
Adding a Turn to a Route 3. Use the ROCKER and SELECT keys to add additional turns.
3. Use the ROCKER to add a turn, and press SELECT. Repeat 4. Press MENU to cancel, edit, or navigate the route.
this step to add additional turns.
4. Press MENU to cancel, undo the last turn, or to begin
navigating the route.
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 23
Where To
To edit a route To delete a route:
1. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data > 1. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
Routes. Routes.
2. Select the route to edit. 2. Select the route to delete, and then select Edit Route.
3. Select Delete.

3. Select Edit Route. You can edit the route name, turns, or
delete the route.

24 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Viewing Information

Viewing Information To customize the numbers screen:

1. From the Home screen, select Information > Numbers.
Use the Information screen to access information about user data, 2. Press Menu and select Configure.
tides, currents, celestial data, and other boats.
3. Select the number of fields to show (3, 4, 5, or 6).
4. Select information to show in each field.
Viewing Numbers
You can view and customize numerical data including depth, GPS
information, and navigation information. You can customize the
number of fields shown and the type of information shown in each
field. You can view up to six fields of numerical information.
To view the numbers screen, from the Home screen, select
Information > Numbers.

Note: The first time you use the numbers screen, you are asked
to complete steps 3 and 4 for the initial setup.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 25

Viewing Information

Viewing Tide Station Information Viewing Current Information

To view tide information, select Tides from the Information screen, Use the Current Prediction screen to view information for currents.
then select a tide station from the list. To view current prediction information, select Currents from the
Information screen, then select a Current Station from the list.
Tide station
Local time
High tide curve

Current tide Max. level

height Flood Current Local time
Low tide curve (current heading
toward shore)
Ebb Current
(current heading
Min. level
away from shore)

Tide Prediction Chart

• To view the Tide Prediction

Report, select Show Report. Note: You can select both tide and current station information
• To return to the Tide Prediction directly from the Navigation chart. See pages 10 and 16 for more
Chart, select Show Tide information.
Chart.

Tide Prediction Report

26 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Viewing Information

Viewing Celestial Information Viewing User Data

Use the Celestial screen to view celestial data for sun and moon To view user data, from the Home screen, select Information >
rise/set, moon phase, and approximate sky view location of the sun User Data.
and moon.
Waypoints—view a list of all saved waypoints.
To view celestial information, on the Information screen, select
Celestial. Routes—view a list of saved routes.
Tracks—view a list of saved tracks.
Data Transfer—transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks to and from
Moon
an SD card.
position
Clear User Data—erase all user waypoints, routes, and tracks.
Moon phase
To transfer data to or from an SD card:
Sun 1. Insert an SD card into the SD card slot on the front of the
position
unit. (See page 5.)
Press left or right 2. From the Home screen, select Information > User Data >
Sky view on the ROCKER Data Transfer.
window to adjust the time. 3. Complete one of the following:
• Select Save To Card to save waypoints, routes, and
tracks to the SD card.
• Select Merge From Card to transfer data from the SD
card to the unit and combine it with existing GPS data.
• Select Replace From Card to overwrite items on your
unit.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 27

Viewing Information

Viewing Other Boats DSC Log—view a list of all DSC calls, sorted by most recent,
To view information about other boats, from the Home screen, select sender, or by type (distress calls or position reports).
Information > Other Boats. • View by Time—view the seven most recent DSC calls
Note: To view information about other boats, your unit must received, sorted and displayed chronologically by time and
be connected to an external AIS (Automatic Identification date. Calls with identical time and date information show the
System) or DSC (Digital Selective Calling) device. See page 30 same information in the list.
for more information. • View By Sender—view an alphanumerical list of senders.
AIS List—view information about all of the boats your unit • View By Type—view the seven most recent distress calls or
is monitoring. The AIS list shows the MMSIs or (if the boat is position reports, sorted chronologically.
broadcasting it) names of the AIS boats, and is sorted by range. The DSC Call List—view the 100 most recent calls. The DSC Call List
boat nearest to your boat appears at the top of the 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 Call List.
Directory—view a list of all DSC entries. You can view by name or
by MMSI. You can also add an entry.
Setup—turn AIS and DSC on or off and set a safe zone for your
boat.

28 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Configuring the Unit

Configuring the Unit Changing Units of Measure

To change units of measure, from the Home screen, select
Use the Configure screen to configure unit settings.
Configure > Units.
System Units—this is a quick global setting that defines most
Configuring System Settings
of the individual units of measure listed below at once. Statute
To change general system settings, from the Home screen, select
(mh, ft, ºF), Metric (kh, m, ºC), or Nautical (kt, ft, ºF).
Configure > System.
Depth—individually set the units of measure for depth to Feet (ft),
Simulator—turn Simulator Mode on or off and set Simulator Mode Fathoms (fa), or Meters (m).
options. (If you set the unit into a Store Demonstration mode during
the initial unit setup, this setting will be named Demo.) Temperature—individually set units of measure for temperature to
Fahrenheit (ºF) or Celsius (ºC).
Language—select the on-screen language.
Note: You must be receiving NMEA Sonar depth data or using a
Beeper/Display—select Beeper to set when the unit makes audible Garmin sounder module to view depth and temperature information.
sounds. The three settings are Off, Alarms Only (default), and On
(keys and alarms). Select Display to switch between Day or Night Dist, Spd, Elev—individually set the units of measure for distance,
modes and brighten or darken the backlight. speed, and elevation readings.
GPS—view GPS satellites, turn WAAS/EGNOS on or off, and Heading—set the reference used in calculating heading information.
initialize the GPS receiver. Position—change the coordinate system in which a given location
reading appears. The default format is hdddºmm.mmm'. Only
System Information—view system information and restore factory
change the position format if you are using a map or chart that
settings.
specifies a different position format.
Event Log—shows a list of system events. Time—set the time format (12 hour, 24 hour, or UTC time format),
Overlay Numbers—set the styles for Wind and Next Turn numbers. time zone, and indicate whether to use daylight saving time.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 29

Configuring the Unit

Configuring Communications Settings 2. Select a setting (Sounder, Route, System, or Garmin).

To change the communications settings, from the Home screen, 3. Select a NMEA output sentence.
select Configure > Communications.
Serial Port 1—select the input/output format to use when
connecting your unit to external NMEA devices, a personal
computer, or other Garmin devices.
• Garmin Data Transfer—the proprietary format used to
upload, download, or exchange data with a computer or
another Garmin unit.
• Garmin Remote Sonar—allows you to connect a Garmin
GSD 21 or GSD 22 serially.
• NMEA In/NMEA Out—supports the input or output of
standard NMEA 0183 data, DSC, and sonar NMEA input
support for the DPT, MTW, and VHW sentences.
• NMEA High Speed—supports the input or output of standard 4. Select Off to disable, or select On to enable the NMEA
0183 data for most AIS receivers. output sentence.

• None—provides no interfacing capabilities. Posn. Precision—adjust the number of digits (Two Digits,
Three Digits, or Four Digits) to the right of the decimal point for
NMEA Setup—enable or disable NMEA output sentences for
transmission of NMEA output.
sounder, route, system, and Garmin NMEA settings.
Waypoint—select how the unit outputs waypoint identifiers (Names
To enable or disable NMEA output sentences: or Numbers).
1. From the Home screen, select Configure >
Communications > NMEA Setup.
30 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual
 Configuring the Unit

Setting Alarms Setting Navigation Alarms

You can set the unit to sound an audible alarm when certain To set a navigation alarm, from the Home screen, select Configure
conditions are met. By default, all alarms are turned off. > Alarms > Navigation.

To set an alarm: Anchor Drag—set an alarm to sound when you exceed a specified
1. From the Home screen, select Configure > Alarms. drift distance.
2. Select an alarm category (Navigation, System, Sonar, or Arrival—set an alarm to sound when you are within a specified
Weather Warnings). distance or time from a destination waypoint.
3. Select an alarm.
Off Course—set an alarm to sound when you are off course by a
4. Select On to turn the alarm on, and then use the ROCKER to specified distance.
specify alarm information.
Setting System Alarms
To set a system alarm, from the Home screen, select Configure >
Press up or down Alarms > System.
on the ROCKER
to increase or Clock—set an alarm using the system clock. The unit must be on for
decrease. the clock alarm to work.
Battery—set an alarm to sound when the battery reaches a user-
determined low voltage.
Press left or right
on the ROCKER
GPS Accuracy—set an alarm to sound when the GPS location
to move fields. accuracy falls outside the user-determined value.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 31

Configuring the Unit
Setting Sonar Alarms Configuring My Boat
To set a sonar alarm, from the Home screen, select Configure > To configure settings for your boat, from the Home screen, select
Alarms > Sonar. Configure > My Boat.
Shallow Water/Deep Water—set an alarm to sound when the depth Auto Guidance—set the Auto Guidance parameters for your boat:
is less than or greater than the specified value.
• Safe Depth—set the minimum depth (referred to the chart
Water Temp—set an alarm to sound when the transducer reports depth datum) to allow when calculating an auto guidance path.
a temperature that is 2° F (1.1° C) above or below the specified • Safe Height—set the minimum height (referred to the chart
temperature. height datum) of a bridge that your boat can safely travel
Fish—set an alarm to sound when the unit detects a suspended under.
target of the specified symbols. Keel Offset—offset the surface reading for the depth of a keel. This
makes it possible to measure depth from the bottom of your keel
Note: You must have a transducer connected. If your unit does
not have a built-in sounder, then you must install a GSD 21 or
instead of from the transducer’s location. Enter a positive number to
GSD 22 sounder module to receive sonar information. offset for a keel. You can enter a negative number to compensate for
a large vessel that may draw several feet of water.
Setting Weather Alarms To adjust the Keel Offset:
To set a weather alarm, from the Home screen, select Configure > 1. From the Home screen, select Configure > My Boat > Keel
Alarms > Weather Alarms. Offset.
Note: You must have a subscription to XM WX Weather and 2. Use the ROCKER to set the value of the keel offset.
the optional GXM 31 antenna plugged into the XM port on the 3. Press SELECT to accept the number.
back of your unit to view weather information. XM Weather
Note: Press MENU to cancel your changes and return to the
is available only on GPSMAP 530/535/540/545 units. See the
My Boat screen.
GXM 31 Owner’s Manual for more information.

32 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Configuring the Unit
Transducer at Surface • Calibrate Water Speed—to use a speed sensing transducer,
Enter a (+) positive number use this menu to calibrate the speed sensor. If you do not have
to show depth from the
a speed sensing transducer, this menu does not appear.
bottom of the keel.
To calibrate the speed sensor:
Transducer at Bottom 1. From the Home screen, select Configure > My Boat >
of Keel Transducer > Calibrate Water Speed.
Enter a (-) negative
2. Bring the boat to cruising speed. Note your top speed, and
number to show depth
from the surface. then stop the boat.
3. Highlight OK, and press SELECT.
4. Use the ROCKER to enter your top speed, and press
Keel Offset SELECT.
Transducer—select the transducer type (Dual Frequency or Dual Note: If the boat is not moving fast enough or the speed sensor
Beam), set the temperature source, sonar cone angles, and calibrate is not registering a speed, a “Speed Too Low” message appears.
water speed. Highlight OK, press SELECT, and safely increase boat speed. If
you get the message again, stop the boat and make sure the speed
• Temp Source—set the temperature source (Transducer or NMEA). sensor wheel is not stuck. If the wheel turns freely, check the
• Sonar Cone Angles—when using a transducer other than the cable connections. If you continue to get the message, contact
standard Garmin transducer, you can set the angle, in degrees, Garmin Product Support.
of the sonar cone so it is accurately depicted on the Fish Eye
3D screen.
Note: The Sonar Cone Angles setting does not affect a
standard Garmin transducer, and should only be used to match
the specifications of a non-standard transducer.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 33

Configuring the Unit

Configuring Other Boats Configuring XM Audio

To configure settings for boats other than your own, from the Home To configure XM audio, from the Home screen, select Configure >
screen, select Configure > Other Boats. XM Audio. You can delete a preset channel, select a category, enter
a specific channel, and adjust the volume level.
AIS—turn AIS (Automatic Identification System) on or off. AIS
alerts you to area traffic by providing boat IDs, position, course, and Note: You must plug the optional GXM 31 antenna into the
speed for boats equipped with a transponder within range. XM port on the back of the unit, and have a subscription to XM
Radio to use XM audio features. XM Radio is available only on
DSC—turn DSC (Digital Selective Calling) on or off. GPSMAP 530/535/ 540/545 units. For more information, see the
NOTE: To configure AIS or DSC information for other boats, GXM 31 Owner’s Manual.
your unit must be connected to an external AIS or DSC device.
See page 30 for more information.

Safe Zone—turn a safe zone around your boat on or off. This is

used for collision avoidance, and can be customized:
• Ring—show or hide a ring on the map showing the safe zone
for your boat.
• Range—change the measured radius of the safe zone ring to a
specified distance from 0.1 to 2.0 nm (or .02 to 5.0 km, or 0.1
to 2.0 mi).
• Time to—sounds an alarm if AIS determines that a target
will intersect the Safe Zone within the defined time interval
(ranging from 3 to 24 minutes).

34 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Using Sonar

Using Sonar Understanding the Flasher

The Flasher screen (dual beam transducer only) provides an almost
When connected to a transducer, your unit becomes a powerful
instantaneous return of what is below your boat. The depth scale is
fishfinder/flasher. If your unit does not have a built-in sounder, you
organized as a ring that starts at the top, or 12:00, and progresses
can connect a Garmin GSD 21 or GSD 22 sounder module to your
clockwise. Sonar information flashes on the ring when it is received
unit to use the sonar features.
at the depth indicated on the inside ring. Like the regular graph, the
colors indicate different strengths of the sonar return.
Understanding the Full Screen
Select the Full Screen option to view a full-screen graph of the To open the flasher, from the Home screen, select Sonar > Flasher.
transducer’s sonar readings. Water
Temp
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Full Screen.
Depth Flasher ring

Temperature

Speed

Suspended Depth
targets
Range

Water
Transducer speed
frequency or
beam width

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 35

Using Sonar

Understanding the Split Freq Screen Understanding The Split Zoom Screen
Use the Split Freq screen (dual frequency transducer only) to view Use the Split Zoom screen to view the full sonar data from the graph
both the 50kHz and 200kHz frequencies on the same screen. A and a zoomed in portion on the same screen.
50kHz frequency graph appears on the left; a 200kHz frequency
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Split Zoom.
graph appears on the right.
Depth, temperature,
To open the Split Freq screen, from the Home screen, select Sonar > and speed
Split Freq.
Depth, temperature, and speed

Zoomed Zoom
depth scale window Range

Range

Zoom level

Transducer frequency
or beam width

Frequencies

36 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Using Sonar

Understanding the Temp Log Screen Setting Up Sonar

If you are using a temperature-capable transducer, the Temp Log Use the Sonar Setup screen to define and adjust settings universal to
screen keeps a graphic log of temperature readings over time. The all sonar screens.
current temperature and depth are shown in the top-left corner.
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Sonar Setup.
From the Home screen, select Sonar > Temp Log.
Color Scheme—choose white or blue. This affects the background
on all sonar screens, but does not change the Temp Log screen.
Temp Fish Symbols—set how the sonar interprets suspended targets.
and
depth The unit does not interpret the sonar return data
(default).
Suspended targets appear as symbols. Background sonar
Temp information appears, making the distinction between fish
range
Time and structure easier.
elapsed
Suspended targets appear as symbols with background
information shown. The target depth of each symbol is also
indicated.
Suspended targets appear as symbols. No background
information appears.
The temperature appears along the right side and the time
elapsed appears along the bottom. The graph scrolls to the left as Suspended targets appear as symbols with no background
information is received. information shown. The target depth of each symbol is
indicated.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 37

Using Sonar
Scroll Speed—adjust the rate at which the sonar scrolls from Advanced Sonar Settings
right to left (Ultrascroll, Fast, Medium, or Slow). If using a To adjust advanced sonar settings, press MENU while viewing a
speed-capable transducer, select Auto to have the scroll speed sonar screen.
automatically adjust to your boat’s water speed.
Range—the range of the depth scale on the right side of the screen
Surface Noise—show or hide the sonar returns near the surface of (Auto or Manual Range).
the water. Hide surface noise to help reduce clutter.
Gain—controls the sensitivity of the sonar receiver (Auto or
Whiteline—highlights the strongest signal from the bottom to help Manual Gain). To see more detail, increase the Gain. If the screen
identify its hardness or softness. is cluttered, decrease the Gain.
• Off—(default) Whiteline is disabled. Beam—when using a dual beam transducer, select a Wide or Narrow beam.
• High—the most sensitive setting. Almost all strong returns
Frequency—when using a dual frequency transducer, select how
are highlighted in white.
the frequencies appear on screen (200kHz, 50kHz, Dual, or Auto).
• Medium—many strong returns are highlighted in white.
Zoom—zoom in to a section of the Full Screen. The zoom is off, or
• Low—the least sensitive setting. Only the strongest returns
set to No Zoom by default. Four options are available:
are highlighted in white.
Overlay Numbers—show or hide battery voltage, water • 2x Zoom—twice the magnification.
temperature, water speed (if your transducer is capable), cruising, • 4x Zoom—four times the magnification.
and navigation. • Bottom Lock—locks the zoom window to the bottom.
Note: To show water temperature or water speed, change the • Split Zoom—opens the Split Zoom screen.
setting to Auto. If the connected transducer is capable, the data Depth Line—quickly reference a specific depth (On or Off).
is shown.
A-Scope—(dual frequency only) a vertical flasher along the right
side of the screen (On or Off).
38 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual
 Installing the Unit

Installing The Unit Step 1: Select a Location

Consider the following when you select an installation location:
To successfully operate your unit, you must properly install the unit
and all of its related parts. Compare the contents of this package • Provides optimal viewing as you operate your boat.
with the packing list on the box. If any pieces are missing, contact • Allows easy access to the unit’s keypad.
your Garmin dealer immediately. Before you begin the installation: • Is strong enough to support the weight of the unit and protect
• Read and follow the instructions to install the unit. it from excessive vibration or shock.
• Gather the appropriate fasteners and tools. • Allows room for the routing and connection of the power/data
• Verify that all cables can reach the unit mounting location and and transducer cables. There should be at least a 3-inch (8 cm)
the transducer. clearance behind the case.
• Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or DO NOT mount the unit in an area that is exposed to extreme
sanding. temperature conditions.
If you experience difficulty installing the unit, contact Garmin
NOTE: The temperature range for the unit is 5°F to 131°F
Product Support or contact a professional installer. (-15°C to 55°C). Extended exposure to temperatures exceeding
Note: References to a transducer in this section apply only to this range (in storage or operating conditions) may cause failure
units with an ‘s’ suffix (i.e. 545s). If you do not have an ‘s’ unit, of the LCD screen. This type of failure and related consequences
disregard instructions on installing a transducer. are NOT covered by the manufacturer’s limited warranty.

To install and use your unit:

1. Select a location.
2. Mount the unit.
3. Install the transducer.
4. Install the wiring harness.
5. Test the installation.
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 39
Installing the Unit

Step 2: �Mount the Unit Mounting the Bracket Assembly

You can mount your unit in one of two ways: Tools (not included)—drill, screwdriver (Phillips or standard), and
one of the following:
• Surface Mount—mount the unit onto a bracket (included)
that attaches to the console or overhead. • Three #8 (4 mm) pan-head machine bolts with matching nuts
• Flush Mount—use the optional flush mount kit to mount and washers and a 5/32" (5 mm) drill bit.
the unit into a flat panel. See the “Appendix” for more • Three #8 pan-head self-tapping screws and a 1/16" drill bit for
information. drilling starter holes.
Use a pan-head machine bolt or self-tapping screw to secure the
Surface Mounting the Unit
swivel base. If you use a screw with a countersunk head, you risk
The unit’s compact, waterproof case is suitable for mounting in
damaging the mounting bracket.
exposed locations or at the navigation station. The unit comes with a
tilt/swivel mounting bracket that can be used for console mounting.
Note: Be sure to mount the unit 95cm (37 1/2")
OK

40 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Installing the Unit
To mount the bracket assembly: To install the unit on the mounting bracket:
1. Using the swivel base as a template, mark the location of the 1. Align the slot on the back of the unit with the long mounting
three holes that secure the bracket to the mounting surface. knob, and slide the unit into place. If necessary, adjust the
2. Drill the mounting holes. long knob to spread the bracket arms apart. (Turn counter-
clockwise to widen the bracket arms and clockwise to
• If you secure the base with machine bolts, drill three 5/32"
tighten.)
(5 mm) holes at the locations you marked.
2. Adjust the unit angle, and tighten the long mounting knob
OR
until snug.
• If you secure the base with self-tapping screws, drill
starter holes at the locations you marked. Do not make
the starter holes deeper than half the screw length.

3. Rotate the swivel mount bracket by twisting it left or right.

The bracket clicks as you turn it. Select a good viewing
angle, and then tighten all knobs.
3. Secure the swivel base with three bolts or screws. DO NOT
OVERTIGHTEN. 4. Connect the power/data and transducer cables to the back of
the unit, making sure the locking rings are fully tightened on
4. Place the swivel mount bracket over the swivel base and
both connectors.
secure it with the short knob.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 41

Installing the Unit

Step 3: ���������
Install the Transducer To �������������������������
assemble the transducer:
Proper transducer installation is key to getting the best performance 1. Insert the rubber washer and plastic spacer into the
from your unit. If the transducer lead is too short, extension cables transducer at the same time. DO NOT lubricate the rubber
washer.
are available from your Garmin dealer. Coil and secure any excess
cable. 2. Route the cable toward the back of the transducer. Slide the
transducer into the transducer mount.
CAUTION: DO NOT cut the transducer lead or any part of 3. Place a 5 mm flat washer on the 10-32 x 1 3/4" screw, and
the transducer cable. Cutting the transducer cable voids your insert the screw through the transducer mount, spacer, and
warranty. The cable cannot be spliced and connected to any rubber washer.
existing (Garmin or non-Garmin) transducer cables.
4. Place the remaining 5 mm flat washer on the exposed end.
Install the 10-32 lock nut finger tight. You can tighten the
The following pages contain tips and basic installation instructions
transducer further after installation on the boat.
for some popular transducers. Detailed installation instructions are
provided in the transducer kits. Some transducers might have to be Cable tie slot
installed by a professional marine installer.

Back of the transducer

42 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Installing the Unit
To mount the dual beam transducer on a trolling 6. Route the 30-foot (9 m) transducer cable using the supplied
motor: cable ties to secure the cable to the motor shaft. You can fill
1. Slide the large cable tie through the slot on the transducer the forward-facing portion (except the cable tie pocket) of the
mount with the ridges of the band facing up until equal transducer mount with sealant to avoid accumulating debris.
lengths extend on both sides of the mount. NOTE: Leave slack in the cable to avoid damage to the cable
note: For cold water and heavy timber or debris areas, a metal while using the trolling motor.
4-5" (10-12 cm) worm gear clamp is recommended.

2. Position the mount gasket on the curved top of the

transducer mount.
3. Place the transducer assembly against the motor body of the
trolling motor, with the front of the transducer pointed away Cable tie
from the trolling motor propeller.
4. Wrap the two ends of the cable tie around the motor body.
Place the pointed end of the cable tie through the fastener
hole on the opposite end and pull it through until it is snug but
not tight. (The cable tie clicks when you pull it.)
5. Position the transducer so that it is parallel with the bottom
when in use, and make sure the gasket is aligned properly.
Pull the cable tie end until tight. Trim off the excess if
Front of the transducer
necessary. Tighten the 10-32 locking nut until it touches the
mounting bracket, and then tighten 1/4 turn more. (Do not
overtighten.)

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 43

Installing the Unit
Mounting the Transducer on a Transom
USS Barnett

Apply marine sealant to all Mount the transducer cable

screw threads to prevent water cover well above the
from seeping into the transom. waterline.

Transducer should extend

1/8" below fiberglass hull or
3/8" below aluminum hull.

OK Make sure that the transducer is below

water level when the boat is on plane
at high speed.

Do not mount the transducer directly in the

path of the prop. The transducer can cause
cavitation that may degrade the boat’s
Mount the transducer parallel with the bottom.
performance and damage the prop.

44 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Installing the Unit
When selecting a transom mount location, consider the following for Tool List (not included)—drill, /8" wrench or socket, 5/32" and 1/8"
3

optimal performance: drill bits, masking tape, #2 Phillips screwdriver, and marine sealant.
• For your sonar to operate properly, the transducer must be To mount the transducer on a transom:
located in calm water. DO NOT mount the transducer behind 1. Position the transducer mount at the selected transom
strakes, rivet lines, struts, fittings, water intake, discharge location. Make sure the transducer is parallel with the water
ports, eroding paint, or anything that creates turbulence. line. Mark the center locations of each hole on the transducer
• Mount the transducer as close to the center of the boat as mount.
possible. 2. Using a 5/32" bit, drill the pilot holes approximately 1"
(25 mm) deep at the marked locations. To avoid drilling the
• DO NOT cut the transducer lead. (This voids your warranty.) holes too deep, wrap a piece of tape around the bit at 1" from
• DO NOT mount the transducer in locations where it might be the point of the bit.
jarred when launching, hauling, trailering, or storing. 3. Apply marine sealant to the 5 x 30 mm screws. Attach the
• DO NOT mount the transducer in the path of the prop on transducer assembly to the transom using the 5 x 30 mm
single-drive boats. The transducer can cause cavitation that screws. Adjust the transducer assembly to extend beyond the
can degrade the boat’s performance and damage the prop. On bottom of the transom approximately 1/8" (3 mm) on fiberglass
hulls or 3/8" (10 mm) on aluminum hulls. Adjust the transducer
twin-drive boats, mount the transducer between the drives, if
assembly to be aligned parallel with the water.
possible.
4. Tighten the 10-32 locking nut until it touches the mounting
NOTE: DO NOT mount the transducer behind strakes, struts, bracket, and then tighten 1/4 turn more. (Do not overtighten.)
fittings, water intake or discharge ports, or anything that creates
5. Place the first cable clamp on the transducer cable
air bubbles or causes the water to become turbulent. The
approximately one third of the distance between the
transducer must be in clean (non-turbulent) water for optimal
transducer and the top of the transom.
performance.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 45

Installing the Unit
6. Mark the location. Using a 1/8" bit, drill a pilot hole Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation
approximately 3/8" (10 mm) deep. To avoid drilling a hole to mount a thru-hull transducer, a
7. Attach the cable clamp using a 4 x 12 mm screw. Coat the transducer can be secured with epoxy inside a boat (shoot-thru-
screw with marine sealant before installation. Repeat steps 5 hull installation). This type of installation can provide better
and 6 using the other cable clamp. noise reduction and allow you to use a higher Gain setting. For
8. Route the transducer cable, as needed, to the unit. DO NOT a transducer to be mounted inside the hull (shoot-thru, not thru-
CUT THE CABLE. Avoid routing the cable with electrical hull), the boat must be fiberglass, with no core. Contact your boat
wires or other sources of electrical interference. manufacturer if you are unsure. Professional installation might be
Drill pilot holes here. necessary.
Level Some transducers are specifically designed to be mounted inside a
fiberglass hull. The standard plastic transom mount transducer can

Vertical
Align with the transom also be mounted using this method. If using a temperature sensing
bottom. The transducer transducer, the temperature shown reflects the hull temperature.
should extend 1/8" below
fiberglass hulls or 3/8"
below aluminum hulls. Note: A solid fiberglass hull can be no more than 5/8" (9.53
m
the transo
Bottom of mm) thick when using a 500 W transducer, and no more than 1"
(25.4 mm) thick when using a 1 kW transducer.
Keep it parallel with the water line.

OK

46 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Installing the Unit
Selecting a Location for a Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation Weight the transducer
When installing a transducer, the installation location must be the PVC pipe to hold it in place.
following: or a can

• Solid fiberglass, without any air bubbles, laminates, fillers, or

dead air space. Strip caulk or Fill a pipe or can with
• In an area of clean (non-turbulent) water at all speeds. RTV sealer water or a light mineral oil.

• The location must not be over any strakes or behind any

obstruction on the hull that would create turbulence. Hull surface

NOTE: Many modern hulls have a dedicated pocket for Testing the Location
shoot-thru-hull transducer installation. If you are unsure if your
hull is equipped with a pre-located pocket, contact your hull To permanently install the transducer:
manufacturer. 1. Lightly sand the surface of the hull and face of the transducer
with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper.
To test the location: 2. Build a dam using strip caulk about 1/4" (6 mm) tall. Pour
1. Fabricate a test device from a section of PVC pipe or a can, about 1/8" (3 mm) of two-part, slow-cure epoxy into the dam.
as shown in the following illustration. 3. Place the transducer in the epoxy, turning the transducer to
2. Temporarily seal the test device to the hull with caulking or work out any air bubbles.
RTV sealer, and fill with water or light mineral oil. 4. Weight the transducer in place, and allow it to cure for
3. Place the transducer in the water, pointed directly at 24 hours.
the bottom and weight it down. Set the unit for optimum
performance. If the sonar performance is significantly
degraded, another location must be tested.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 47

Installing the Unit

Step 4: ���������
Install the Wiring Harness To install the wiring harness:
The unit comes with a wiring harness that connects the unit to power 1. Use a test light or voltmeter to determine the polarity of the
and the transducer with one easy-to-remove connection and provides voltage source.
interface capabilities for connecting external devices. 2. Connect the Red (+ or positive) wire to the positive voltage
terminal. (If you use the boat’s fuse block, route the positive
The color code in the diagram (see page 49) indicates the connection through the fuse, as shown on the diagram.)
appropriate harness connections. The replacement fuse is a 3. Connect the Black (- or ground) wire to the negative voltage
AGC/ 3AG - 3 Amp fuse. If it is necessary to extend the power terminal.
wires, use 22 AWG wire. DO NOT cut the transducer cable, because 4. Install or check the 3-Amp fuse (on the boat’s fuse block or in
this voids your warranty. You can wire the unit directly to the the in-line holder).
battery. If your boat has an electrical system, you might be able to 5. Align the notches on the cable plug and on the back of the
wire the unit directly to an unused holder on your current fuse block. unit. Insert the cable into the connector, and turn the lock ring
If you are using the boat’s fuse block, remove the in-line fuse holder counter-clockwise until it stops.
supplied with the unit.
3-Amp
Caution: The maximum unit input voltage is 35 Volts DC. fuse To 10-35 Volt boat supply
Do not exceed this voltage, because this can damage the unit and 3A
2A

-
void the warranty. Boat ground

+
Note: During a typical installation, use only the Red and Black
wires. The other wires do not have to be connected for normal
operation of the unit. For information on connecting to a NMEA —
or CANet compatible device, see page 50.
+
To Unit
Fuse block

48 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Installing the Unit

To Transducer

PIN 8 - Black (Ground) PIN 7 - Yellow (Alarm)

(RED) +VDC

PIN 13 - Red (DC Positive)

PIN 12 - White (CANet H)

PIN 16 - Green (CANet L)

(BLACK) Ground
PIN 18 - Blue (NMEA Out)

DC Power
(ORANGE) Accessory On
Source
GPSMAP 500 Series Pin Assignment
(BLUE) NMEA 1 Out
RXD+

(BROWN) NMEA 1 In NMEA Device

1
RXD-
(GREY) NMEA 2 Out
RXD+

(VIOLET) NMEA 2 In NMEA Device

2
(GREEN) CANet L
RXD-

(WHITE) CANet H Alarm Relay

100ma max
coil current
(YELLOW) Alarm Low

GPSMAP 500 Series Wiring Harness

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 49

Installing the Unit
Connecting to a NMEA device The SDDBT, SDDPT, SDMTW, SDVHW, SDWPL sentences are
You can connect the unit to other NMEA compatible equipment, sent and received in NMEA 0183, Version 3.01.
such as a DSC or AIS device. Refer to the wiring diagram on You can purchase complete information about National Marine
page 49 for connecting the unit to NMEA compatible devices. Electronics Association (NMEA) format and sentences from:
To install the wiring harness to a GPS or other NMEA NMEA
device: Seven Riggs Avenue
1. Follow the voltage source installation steps (see page 48). Severna Park, MD 21146 USA
For Garmin units, the ground (Black) wires serve as NMEA www.nmea.org
ground and must be attached together or on the same
terminal. Refer to the wiring diagram of your GPS unit for Installing the Unit to a Garmin CANet
wire identification. The unit is a CANet-compatible Garmin device, and can send or
2. Connect the Blue (NMEA Out 1) wire from the unit to the receive sonar information from another CANet-compatable Garmin
NMEA In wire on the NMEA unit’s wiring harness, and the device. Using the CANet optimizes the performance of CANet-
brown (NMEA In 1) wire to the NMEA Out wire on the NMEA compatible units, allowing sonar information from a Sounder or
unit’s wiring harness. Fishfinder to be shared with up to two CANet compatible Garmin
3. Repeat step 2 using the Grey and Violet wires for an GPS units. A standard NMEA connection only allows depth,
additional NMEA unit. temperature, and speed information to be sent to a single GPS device,
4. Set the unit’s serial port(s) to use NMEA In/NMEA Out whereas a CANet connection provides full sonar readings, including
(page 30). Ultrascroll™, so you can view and control the same information on
your compatible Garmin GPS unit(s) as you can on your compatible
Interfacing with NMEA Garmin Sounder or Fishfinder.
The unit allows for NMEA 0183, Version 3.01 output with a
compatible GPS or navigation device. You must set the unit’s serial Note: To use the Garmin CANet with your unit, you must
port(s) to NMEA In/NMEA Out to send data and receive data obtain a CANet Kit. Contact your Garmin dealer, or visit
(page 30). www.garmin.com.
50 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual
 Installing the Unit

Step 5: Test the Installation The Home screen appears (see page 6) after you select your
To turn on your unit for the first time, press and hold the configuration options.
POWER key until the unit beeps and turns on. Use the Note: You can adjust these options in the future from the
ROCKER and the SELECT keys and follow the screens to Configure screen.
configure your unit.
Because water is necessary to carry the sounder’s sonar signal, the
Note: Although it is possible to perform some checks with the
transducer must be in the water to work properly. You cannot get a
boat trailered, the boat should be in the water to properly test the
depth or distance reading when out of the water.
installation.
When you place your boat in the water, check for leaks around
To ���������������������
configure your unit �������������������
for the first time: any screw holes that were added below the water line. DO NOT
1. Select the Language. leave your boat in the water for an extended period of time without
2. Select attached NMEA Devices. checking for leaks.
3. Select the Transducer type (if applicable).
4. Select the Position Format (the default is hddd°mm.mmm').
5. Select the Time Format (the default is 12 Hour).
6. Select your Time Zone.
7. Select your preferred Units of measure.
8. Select a Minimum Depth.
9. Select the Overhead Clearance of your boat.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 51

Installing the Unit
To test the transom mount transducer installation:
1. Begin testing the installation at a slow speed. If the sonar
appears to be working properly, gradually increase the
boat’s speed while observing the sonar’s operation. If the
sonar signal suddenly is lost or the bottom return is severely
degraded, note the speed at which this occurs.
2. Return the boat to the speed at which the signal was lost. Make
moderate turns in both directions, and see if the signal improves.
3. If the signal strength improves while turning, adjust the transducer
so that it extends another 1/8" below the transom of the boat. It
might take several adjustments to eliminate the degradation.
4. If the signal does not improve, you might have to move the
transducer to a different location.
NOTE: When adjusting the depth of the transducer, make the
adjustments in small increments. Placing the transducer too
deep can adversely affect the boat’s performance and put the
transducer at greater risk of striking underwater objects.

52 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Appendix

Appendix GPS Accuracy:

Position: <49 feet (15 meters), 95% typical*
Velocity: 0.05 meters/sec steady state
Specifications WAAS Accuracy:
Physical Specifications Position: <10 feet (3 meters), 95% typical*
Size: 6.4" H x 5.9" W x 2.9" D (16.3 cm x 15.0 cm x 7.4 cm) Velocity: 0.05 meters/sec steady rate
Dynamics: 6gs
Weight: less than 1.75 lbs (0.8 kg)
* Subject to accuracy degredation to 100 m 2DRMS under the U.S.
Display: GPSMAP 525/535/545/555: 5.0" diagonal (12.7 cm), Full
DOD-imposed Selective Availability Program.
VGA display with adjustable brightness, 640 x 480 pixels, capable
of 4,096 colors. Power
GPSMAP 520/530/540/550: 5.0" diagonal (12.7 cm), QVGA Power Source: 10-35 VDC
display with adjustable brightness, 320 x 240 pixels. Usage: 15 Watts max at 13.8 VDC
Case: Fully gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy, waterproof to Fuse: AGC/3AG - 3.0 Amp
IEC 529 IPX7 standards.
Temp. Range: 5ºF to 131ºF (-15ºC to 55º C) Sonar
Power: 1kW Transducer, 1,000 watts (RMS), 8,000 watts (peak to peak)*;
Compass Safe Distance: 95 cm
Dual Frequency, 500 Watts (RMS), 4,000 Watts (peak to peak);
Performance Dual Beam, 400 Watts (RMS), 3,200 Watts (peak to peak)
Receiver: Differential-ready 12-parallel channel WAAS-capable receiver Frequency: 50/200 kHz (dual frequency and 1kW), 80/200 kHz (dual beam)
Acquisition Times: Depth: 2,500 ft (762 M) (1kW), 1,500 ft (457 M) (dual frequency),
Warm: Approx. 15 seconds 900 ft (274M) (dual beam)**
Cold: Approx 45 seconds * 1kW transducers are supported by the GPSMAP 525s/535s/545s/555s units
AutoLocate: Approx 2 minutes only.
Update Rate: 1/second, continuous ** Depth capacity is dependent on water salinity, bottom type, and other water
conditions.
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 53
Appendix

Product Registration Caring for the Unit

Help us better support you by completing our online registration The case is constructed of high-quality materials and does not
today! Connect to our Web site at http://my.garmin.com. require user maintenance, except cleaning.
Keep the original sales receipt, or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Cleaning the Case
Contact Garmin Clean the unit’s outer casing (except for the screen) using a cloth
Contact Garmin if you have any questions while using your unit. In dampened with a mild detergent solution and then wipe dry. Avoid
the USA contact Garmin Product Support by phone: (913) 397-8200 chemical cleaners and solvents that may damage plastic components.
or (800) 800-1020, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central Time; or
go to www.garmin.com/support/, and click Product Support. Cleaning the Screen
The unit’s lens is coated with a special anti-reflective coating that
In Europe, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. at +44 (0) 870.8501241 is sensitive to skin oils, waxes and abrasive cleaners. Cleaners
(outside the UK) or 0808 2380000 (within the UK). containing ammonia, alcohol, abrasives, or anti-grease detergents
will harm the anti-reflective coating. It is important to clean the lens
using an eyeglass lens cleaner (that is specified as safe for anti-
reflective coatings) and a clean, lint-free cloth.

Water Immersion
The unit is waterproof to IEC Standard 60529 IPX7. It can
withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Prolonged
submersion can cause damage to the unit. After submersion, be
certain to wipe and air dry the unit before reuse.

54 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Appendix

Alarms and Messages Boat Is Not Moving Fast Enough to Calibrate—the boat is not
The unit uses an on-screen message system to alert you to unit moving fast enough for the speed wheel to provide a valid speed.
operating characteristics. When a message appears, press MENU to Can’t Read User Card—error reading card; remove and reinsert.
acknowledge the message. Contact your dealer or Garmin Product Support if the problem
Accuracy Alarm—the GPS accuracy has fallen outside of user-set persists.
value. Can’t Read Voltages That High, Limited To Top Of Range—the
AIS: Dangerous Target—shows the MMSI (Maritime Mobile voltage value in the Battery Alarm setup is higher than the unit can
Service Identity) of the dangerous target. read.
Alarm Clock—the alarm clock has sounded. Can’t Read Voltages That Low, Limited To Bottom Of
Range—voltage value in the Battery Alarm setup is lower than the
Anchor Drag Alarm—you have drifted out of the specified distance voltage where the unit automatically turns off.
range.
Can’t Unlock Maps—data on data card is not unlocked for the unit.
Antenna Input is Shorted—some part of the antenna wiring is Contact your dealer or Garmin Product Support.
contacting the chassis.
Can’t Write User Card, Card May Be Full—error reading card;
Arriving At [Waypoint Name]—you arrived at the destination remove and reinsert. Contact your dealer or Garmin Product Support
waypoint. You can Stop Navigation when this message appears. if the problem persists.
Battery Alarm—battery voltage has fallen below the value entered Can’t Write User Card, Card Is Read-Only—the SD card in your
in the Battery Alarm setup. unit contains data copy protection.
Battery Voltage Is Too High—too much input voltage; the unit Check XM Antenna*—internal problem with your GXM 31
shuts off in 10 seconds. Decrease the input voltage to 35 Volts or antenna. Contact Garmin Product Support.
less.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 55

Appendix
DSC Position Report Received From—shows the MMSI or name Flash Flood Warning*—a flash flood warning was issued for the
associated with an MMSI. area by the National Weather Service.
Database Error—internal problem with the unit. Contact your Flood Warning*—a flood warning was issued for the area by the
dealer or Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced. National Weather Service.
Deep Water Alarm—the Deep Water Alarm depth has been Invalid MMSI—enter a Valid MMSI.
reached.
Lost Satellite Reception—the unit has lost satellite signals. Check
Directory Item With This MMSI Already Exists—the MMSI antenna connections or try moving to a location with a clear view of
number is already in DSC directory. Use a different number. the sky.
Directory Memory is Full, Can’t Create Entry—the DSC Marine Warning*—a marine warning was issued by the National
directory has reached maximum of 100 contacts. Delete unneeded Weather Service.
contacts to add new ones.
NMEA Depth Is Below Transducer—you must enter an
Distress Call—a DSC distress call has been received. Take appropriate Keel Offset for the transducer.
appropriate action.
No Waypoints/Routes/Tracks/User Waypoints Found—attempted
Entering (Leaving) target water temperature—the target water to transfer user data from an SD card that does not contain the
temperature is 2° F (1.1° C) above or below the temperature specified type of data. Make sure there is data to transfer on the SD
specified by the Water Temperature Alarm. These messages appear card.
when you enter or leave that zone.
Fish Alarm—a beep sounds (if enabled) when a fish is detected.
This alarm does not show a message banner.

56 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Appendix
No XM Signal*—the GXM 31 antenna is not receiving an XM Sonar Timeout—there is an internal problem with the unit. Contact
signal. your dealer or Garmin Product Support to have the unit serviced.
Off Course Alarm—you are off course the distance set in the “Off Sonar Service Lost—the external sonar device you were connected
Course” alarm. to has either been disconnected or the unit has lost communication
with the sonar device for some other reason.
Route Already Exists—you entered a route name that already exists
in memory. Modify the route name or delete the previous route Tornado Warning*—a tornado warning was issued for the area by
name. the National Weather Service.
Route Full—you attempted to add more than 250 points to a route. Track Already Exists [Track Name]—you entered a saved track
Reduce the number of points or create a second route. name that already exists in memory. Modify the track name or delete
the existing track.
Route Truncated—uploaded route from another device has more
than 250 waypoints and was truncated to fit. Track Log Full—the track log is full and track recording has been
turned off. To record more track points, you need to clear the track
Route Waypoint Memory Full—no additional route waypoints can
log and turn track recording on. This only appears when the track
be saved.
recording setting is set to “Stop When Full.”
Severe Storm Warning*—a severe storm warning has been issued
Track Memory is Full, Can’t Create Track—the track log
for the area by the National Weather Service.
memory is full. No additional track log data can be stored without
Shallow Water Alarm—the Shallow Water Alarm depth has been deleting old data to create memory space.
reached.
Track Truncated—a complete uploaded track does not fit into
Sonar Service Incompatible—the external sonar device you are memory. The oldest track log points were deleted to make space for
connected to needs a software update. the most recent data.

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 57

Appendix
Transducer Disconnected, Sonar Turned Off—there is not a Waypoint Memory Full—you have used all 1,500 waypoints
transducer attached, bad cable/transducer, or the transducer cable available. Delete unwanted waypoints to make space for new entries.
was disconnected. If the transducer cable is removed while the unit
Weather Service Lost*— the external weather you were connected
is on, reconnect and cycle power.
to has either been disconnected or the unit has lost communication
Transfer Complete—the unit has finished uploading or with the device for some other reason.
downloading information to the connected device.
XM Service Incompatible*— the external XM antenna you are
User Card Not Found, Please Insert Card—attempted to transfer connected to needs a software update.
user data without an SD card containing user data being present in * This message appears only if you have a GXM 31 antenna connected and a
the SD card slot. subscription to XM WX Weather.
Water Speed Sensor Is Not Working—the speed sensor is not
detected. Check the connections.
Water Temperature Alarm—sonar has reported a temperature
above, below, inside, or outside the specified value(s).
Waypoint Already Exists—you entered a waypoint name that
already exists in memory. Modify the waypoint name or delete the
existing waypoint.

58 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Appendix

Weather Data Warranty RISK. THE CONTENT AND FUNCTIONALITY OF THE SERVICE IS
THE WEATHER DATA SOFTWARE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED “AS IS.” ALL PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY OR IMPLIED. ALL SUCH WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
PURPOSE OR OF NON-INFRINGEMENT ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND
NON-INFRINGEMENT) ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.
USER SAFETY
If you use XM Services it is your responsibility to exercise prudent discretion and b) LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY.
observe all safety measures required by law and your own common sense. You WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
assume the entire risk related to your use of the Services. XM and Garmin assume CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES RELATING TO THE USE
no responsibility for accidents resulting from or associated with use of the Services. OF THE RADIO SERVICE, WHETHER BASED ON NEGLIGENCE OR
Your Radio Service includes traffic and weather information, and you acknowledge OTHERWISE. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU AND ANY OTHER PERSONS
that such information is not for “safety for life”, but is merely supplemental RECEIVING OUR SERVICES, REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE, WILL IN NO
and advisory in nature, and therefore cannot be relied upon as safety-critical in EVENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS THAT YOU HAVE PAID TO US FOR THE
connection with any aircraft, sea craft or automobile usage. This information is SERVICE THAT YOU RECEIVED DURING THE SIX (6) MONTH PERIOD
provided “as is” and XM and Garmin disclaim any and all warranties, express and IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE SPECIFIC EVENT THAT GAVE RISE TO
implied, with respect thereto or the transmission or reception thereof. XM and THE APPLICABLE DAMAGE OR LOSS. THIS ALLOCATION OF RISK IS
Garmin further do not warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness REFLECTED IN OUR PRICES. YOU MAY HAVE GREATER RIGHTS THAN
of the traffic and weather information disclosed on the Radio Service. In no event DESCRIBED ABOVE UNDER YOUR STATE’S LAWS
will XM and Garmin, their data suppliers, service providers, marketing/distribution, This product was developed using DAFIF™, a product of the National Geospatial-
software or Internet partners or hardware manufacturers be liable to you or to any Intelligence Agency.
third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary This product has not been endorsed or otherwise approved by the National
or punitive damages or lost profits resulting from use of or interruptions in the Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or the United States Department of Defense (10
transmission or reception of the Services. U.S.C. 425)
LIMITS ON OUR RESPONSIBILITY a. Under 10 U.S.C. 456, no civil action may be brought against the United States on
a) DISCLAIMERS. the basis of the content of a navigational aid prepared or disseminated by either the
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, WE MAKE NO WARRANTY former Defense Mapping Agency (DMA), National Imagery and Mapping Agency
OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING (NIMA), or the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
THE RADIO SERVICE. YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE IS AT YOUR SOLE
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 59
Appendix
b. The DAFIF™ product is provided “as is,” and no warranty, express or implied, Software License Agreement
including, but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness BY USING THE UNIT, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS
for particular purpose or arising by statute or otherwise in law or from a course of AND CONDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE
dealing or usage in trade, is made by NGA as to the accuracy and functioning of the
AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY.
product.
Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this
c. Neither NGA nor its personnel will be liable for any claims, losses, or damages
arising from or connected with the use of this product. The user agrees to hold device (the “Software”) in binary executable form in the normal operation of
harmless the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The user’s the product. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property rights in and to
sole and exclusive remedy is to stop using the DAFIF product. the Software remain in Garmin.
You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and is protected
XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement under the United States of America copyright laws and international copyright
treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure, organization, and code
XM Satellite Radio Inc. of the Software are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and that the Software in
Hardware and required monthly subscription sold separately. Subscription fee is source code form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin. You agree not
consumer only. Other fees and taxes, including a one-time activation fee may apply. to decompile, disassemble, modify, reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or
All programming fees and weather data subject to change. XM WX weather data reduce to human readable form the Software or any part thereof or create any
displays and individual product availability vary by hardware equipment. Reception derivative works based on the Software. You agree not to export or re-export
of the XM signal may vary depending on location. Subscriptions subject to
the Software to any country in violation of the export control laws of the
Customer Agreement included with the XM Welcome Kit and available at xmradio.
United States of America.
com. Available only in the 48 contiguous United States. XM WX is a trademark of
XM Satellite Radio Inc.

60 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual

 Appendix

Limited Warranty number clearly on the outside of the package. Send the unit, freight charges
This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or prepaid, to any Garmin warranty service station.
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Online Auction Purchases: Products sold through online auctions are not
Garmin will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in eligible for rebates or other special offers from Garmin. Online auction
normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty
customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for service, an original or copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is
any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, required. Garmin will not replace missing components from any package
misuse, accident, or unauthorized alteration or repairs. purchased through an online auction.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE International Purchases: A separate warranty is provided by international
EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS, distributors for units purchased outside the United States. This warranty is
IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING provided by the local in-country distributor and this distributor provides
UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS local service for your unit. Distributor warranties are only valid in the area of
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS intended distribution. Units purchased in the United States or Canada must
WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY be returned to the Garmin service center in the United Kingdom, the United
VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. States, Canada, or Taiwan for service.
IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER 1200 East 151st Street, Liberty House,
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Hounsdown Business Park,
PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do not Tel. (913) 397-8200 or Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK
allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above (800) 800-1020 Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK)
limitations may not apply to you. Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair Fax (913) 397-8282 0808.2380000 (within the UK)
or replace the unit or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND
Garmin Corporation
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin authorized dealer or Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
call Garmin Product Support for shipping instructions and an RMA tracking Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
number. Securely pack the unit and a copy of the original sales receipt, which Fax 886/2.2642.9099
is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Write the tracking
GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 61
Appendix

FCC Compliance Industry Canada Compliance

This product has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Category I radiocommunication devices comply with Industry Canada Standard
interference limits for Class B digital devices FOR HOME OR OFFICE RSS-210. Category II radiocommunication devices comply with Industry
USE. These limits are designed to provide more reasonable protection against Canada Standard RSS-310.
harmful interference in a residential installation, and are more stringent than
“outdoor” requirements. Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Operation of this device is subject to the following conditions: (1) this Hereby, Garmin, declares that this unit is in compliance with the essential
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
To view the full Declaration of Conformity, see the Garmin Web site for your
operation.
Garmin product: www.garmin.com/products/. Click Manuals, and then select
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and the Declaration of Conformity link.
may cause harmful interference to radio communications if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
Optional Accessories
For more information about optional accessories, go to the Garmin Web site
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
at www.garmin.com/products. You can also contact your Garmin dealer to
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
purchase accessories. Optional accessories include:
to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Flush Mount Kit
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. • CANet Connection Kit
• Connect the equipment into an outlet that is on a different circuit from • GXM 31 XM Antenna
the GPS unit. • Preprogrammed BlueChart g2 Vision SD cards
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This product does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should
only be made by an authorized Garmin service center. Unauthorized repairs
or modifications could result in permanent damage to the equipment, and
void your warranty and your authority to operate this device under Part 15
regulations.
62 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual
 Index

Index C
CANet 50
fish symbols 37
flush mount 40
L
language
celestial information 27 frequency 38 changing 29
A Chart/Sonar screen fuse 48, 53 LCD screen 39
A-Scope 38 using 18 light sectors 17
accessories 62 chart borders 17 G limited warranty 61
aerial photos 15 charts gain 38
AIS 28, 34 fish eye 3D 13 go to 19 M
alarms 55–58 fishing 13 GPS, wiring to a 50 MENU key 3
battery 31 mariner’s eye 3D 12 guide to 19 messages 55
deep water 32 navigation 7 mounting
fish 32 H bracket assembly 40
settings 16 heading 29
navigation 31 communications settings 30 transducer on a transom 45
setting 31–32 HOME key 3 my boat 32
current stations 26
shallow water 32
sonar 32
customizing I N
chart settings 16 input voltage 48
system 31 navigating 19
installing 39–48 go to 19
water temp 32 D selecting a location 39
arches 37 Declaration of Conformity 62 guide to 19
testing 51 route to 19
automatic guidance 16 depth 29 the mount 40 NEXRAD 8
depth line 38 the transducer 42
B DSC 28, 34 NMEA 50
backlight the wiring harness 48 NMEA device
adjusting 2 E to a Garmin CANet 50 connecting to 50
beam 38 event log 29 interfacing with NMEA 50 NMEA output sentences
BlueChart g2 Vision enabling 30
using 11–15 F K
keel offset numbers 38
bottom lock 38 fish eye 3D 13 customizing 25
settings 13 adjusting 32
bracket assembly 40 overlay numbers 8
fishing chart 13 viewing 25

GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual 63

Index
O S system information other boats 28
object information safe depth 32 viewing 5 tide stations 26
accessing 9 safe zone 34 user data 27
obstruction 8 satellite imagery 11 T voltage 48
optional accessories 62 enabling 14 temperature 29
orientation 16 scroll speed 38 test the installation 51 W
other boats SD cards tide stations 26 water speed
configuring 34 inserting 5 viewing information 10 calibrate 33
viewing 28 removing 5 time 29 water temperature 56
overlay numbers 8 SELECT key 3 transducer 46 waypoints
settings cables 39 creating 21
P chart 16 dual beam 33, 35 editing 22
physical specifications 53 system 29 dual frequency 33, 36, 38 viewing 27
position 29 shoot-thru-hull installation 46 installing 42–45 weather data warranty 59
POWER/BACKLIGHT key 3 simulator mode transom 45 Where To 19
power/data and transducer cables 39, using 4 transom, mounting on a 44 whiteline 38
41 software license agreement 60 transom mount installation 52 wiring harness
sonar installing 48–50
Q U
advanced settings 38 Ultrascroll 50 X
quick links i
setting up 37–38 units of measure XM audio 34
R specifications 53 changing 29 XM Satellite Radio service
Range (sonar) 38 specifications 53 user data agreement 60
RANGE keys 3 speed sensor 33 clearing 27
ROCKER key 3 spot depths 17 transferring 27 Z
routes surface mounting the unit 40 viewing 27 zoom 38
creating 23 surface noise 38 2x 38
deleting 24 suspended targets 37 V 4x 38
viewing 27 swivel base 41 viewing split 38
route to 19 swivel mount bracket 41 celestial information 27
symbols 8 currents 26
64 GPSMAP® 500 Series Owner’s Manual
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.

© 2007 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 9RB UK

Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan

www.garmin.com

Part Number 190-00758-00 Rev. C