Garmin GPSMAP 420 User manual

GPSMAP®400/500 series
owner’s manual

© 2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
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Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
Tel. [phone] or [phone]
Fax [phone]
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
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Tel. [phone] (outside the UK)
0808 2380000 (within the UK)
Fax [phone]
Garmin Corporation
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nd
Road,
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Fax [phone]
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must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly
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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
®
, the Garmin logo, GPSMAP
®
, AutoLocate
®
, BlueChart
®,
g2 Vision
®
, and MapSource
®
are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and
other countries. Ultrascroll
™
, myGarmin, and GFS are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission
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®
and the NMEA 2000 logo are registered trademarks of the National Maritime Electronics Association. Windows
®
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May 2009 Part Number 190-01074-10 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual i
Introduction
Introduction
This manual includes information for the following products:
GPSMAP
®
420/420s GPSMAP 450/450s
GPSMAP 421/421s GPSMAP 451/451s
GPSMAP 520/520s GPSMAP 525/525s
GPSMAP 521/521s GPSMAP 526/526s
GPSMAP 550/550s GPSMAP 555/555s
GPSMAP 551/551s GPSMAP 556/556s
Tips and Shortcuts
Press HOME from any screen to return to the Home screen.
Press MENU from any of the main screens to access advanced
settings.
Press and release the Power key to adjust the display settings.
Manual Conventions
In this manual, when you are instructed to select an item, small
arrows (>) appear in the text. They indicate that you should highlight
a series of items on the screen using the Rocker, and press the
SELECT key after each item. For example, if you see “select
Charts > Navigation Chart,” you should highlight Charts, and
•
•
•
press SELECT. Then highlight Navigation Chart, and press
SELECT again.
Quick Links
Turning the Unit On or Off: page 3.
Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals: page 5.
Inserting and Removing SD Cards: page 6.
Restoring Factory Settings: page 6.
Using the Navigation Chart: page 8.
Changing the Chart Settings: page 12.
Navigating to a Destination: page 22
Creating and Using Waypoints: page 24.
Conguring System Settings: page 37.
Using Sonar: page 44.
Alarms and Messages: page 55.
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ii GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Introduction
Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................i
Tips and Shortcuts ........................................................................ i
Manual Conventions ..................................................................... i
Quick Links ................................................................................... i
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)..................................................iv
Product Registration ....................................................................iv
Contact Garmin............................................................................iv
Getting Started.....................................................................1
Unit Overview............................................................................... 1
Turning the Unit On or Off............................................................ 3
Initializing Unit Settings................................................................ 3
Adjusting the Backlight................................................................. 4
Using the Keypad......................................................................... 5
Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals................................................... 5
Using Simulator Mode.................................................................. 6
Viewing System Information ........................................................ 6
Restoring the Original Factory Settings ....................................... 6
Inserting and Removing SD Cards .............................................. 6
Understanding the Home Screen................................................. 7
Using Charts ........................................................................8
Using the Navigation Chart .......................................................... 8
Changing the Navigation Chart Settings.................................... 12
Using the Split Navigation Chart ................................................ 14
Using Perspective 3D ................................................................ 15
Using Mariner’s Eye 3D ............................................................. 16
Using Fish Eye 3D ..................................................................... 17
Using Fishing Charts.................................................................. 18
Enabling High Resolution Satellite Imagery............................... 19
Viewing Aerial Photos ................................................................ 20
Viewing Current-station Information........................................... 20
Detailed Road and POI Data ..................................................... 21
Using Automatic Guidance......................................................... 21
Using the Chart/Sonar Screen ................................................... 21
Where To? ..........................................................................22
Navigating to a Destination ........................................................ 22
Creating and Using Waypoints................................................... 24
Creating and Using Routes........................................................ 25
Using Tracks .............................................................................. 26
Using BlueChart g2 Vision ......................................................... 28
Navigating with a Garmin Autopilot ............................................ 29
Viewing Information ..........................................................30
Viewing a Compass ................................................................... 30
Viewing Numbers....................................................................... 30
Viewing Trip Information ............................................................ 31
Viewing Fuel Gauges................................................................. 31
Viewing Tide-station Information................................................ 32
Viewing Current Information ...................................................... 32
Viewing User Data ..................................................................... 33
Viewing Other Vessels ............................................................... 35

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

iv GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Introduction
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box
for product warnings and other important 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.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Hereby, Garmin, declares that the GPSMAP 400 series
and the GPSMAP 500 series is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive
1999/5/EC.
To view the full Declaration of Conformity, see the Garmin Web site
for your Garmin product: www.garmin.com.
Product Registration
Help us better support you by completing our online registration
today. Go to http://my.garmin.com. Keep the original sales receipt,
or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Contact Garmin
Contact Garmin Product Support if you have any questions while
using your unit. In the USA, go to www.garmin.com/support, or
contact Garmin USA by phone at [phone] or [phone].
In the UK, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. by phone at 0808 2380000.
In Europe, go to www.garmin.com/support and click Contact
Support for in-country support information, or contact Garmin
(Europe) Ltd. by phone at +44 (0) 870.8501241.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 1
Getting Started
Getting Started
Unit Overview
POWER/
BACKLIGHT
MENU
ROCKER
SELECT
HOME
RANGE (-/+)
MARK
SD card slot
Power/Data
GPSMAP 526 shown
External GPS
antenna
GPSMAP 520/525/550/555

2 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Getting Started
GPSMAP 420/450
Power/Data
NMEA 2000
GPSMAP 421/451/521/551GPSMAP 526/556
Power/Data
External
GPS antenna
NMEA 2000
®

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 3
Getting Started
Turning the Unit On or Off
To turn on the unit, press and release the Power key. When the
Warning screen appears, select I Agree to view the Home screen.
NOTE: The rst time you turn on your unit, you must congure the
initial settings. See “Initializing Unit Settings.”
To turn off the unit, press and hold the Power key.
Home Screen
Initializing Unit Settings
The rst time you turn on your unit, you must congure the initial
settings.
NOTE: You can change these settings later using the Congure
screen (page 6).
Language—select the language to display on your screen.
Welcome—select OK.
Store Demonstration—select NO. (This option is only available
the rst time the unit is turned on.
NMEA Devices—if you have NMEA 0183 devices connected to a
serial port, specify which ports are connected.
AIS Receiver (is not available if you select None for NMEA
Devices)—Select Yes if one of the devices connected to a serial port
is an AIS (automatic identication system) receiver.
Position Format—specify the coordinate system to use for location
readings.
Time Format—specify whether you want the time shown in a
12-hour, 24-hour, or UTC (Universal Time Code) format.
System Units—specify units for on-screen measurements as
Statute, Metric, or Nautical.

4 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Getting Started
Minimum Safe Depth—select the minimum safe depth for your
boat. Refer to your boat specications for more information.
Shallow Water Alarm—only available if you are receiving NMEA
sonar depth data. Select Yes or No.
Minimum Overhead Clearance—select the minimum overhead
clearance for your boat. Refer to your boat specications for more
information.
AIS Alarm Range—select the distance in which an alarm will
sound if an AIS vessel nears your boat (page 43).
AIS Alarm Time To—select the time within which an alarm will
sound if an AIS vessel is on track to intersect the Safe Zone around
your boat (page 43).
If a water speed wheel is detected, a message will ask if you want to
calibrate it now. Select Yes or No.
Adjusting the Backlight
1. Press and release the Power key.
2. Select Backlight.
To allow the unit to automatically adjust the backlight based on
ambient light, select Auto Backlight (automatic backlight is
available only on the GPSMAP 525, 526, 555, and 556).
To switch between Day and Night mode:
1. Press and release the Power key.
2. Select Color Mode.
3. Press left or right on the Rocker to switch between modes.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 5
Getting Started
Using the Keypad
POWER/
BACKLIGHT
MENU
ROCKER
SELECT
HOME
RANGE (-/+)
MARK
POWER/BACKLIGHT—Press and hold to turn the unit on or off;
press and release to adjust the backlight and day and night modes.
RANGE (-/+)—Press to adjust the range of the sonar. Press to zoom
in or out on a chart. Press to page up or down on lists.
ROCKER—Press up, down, left, or right to move through menus,
highlight elds, and enter data.
MARK—Press to mark a waypoint.
SELECT—Press to select highlighted items.
HOME—Press to return to the Home screen.
MENU—Press to access additional settings and conguration
options; press to return to the previous screen when indicated.
Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals
When you turn on the unit, the GPS receiver must collect satellite
data and establish the current location. 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 and the position icon displays a ashing
question mark.
For more information about GPS, visit the Garmin Web site at
www.garmin.com/aboutGPS.

6 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Getting Started
Using Simulator Mode
Simulator mode turns the GPS receiver off for use indoors or for
practice. The unit does not track satellites in simulator mode.
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 Congure > System > Simulator.
2. Select Setup to set speed, track control, and position.
Viewing System Information
You can view the software version, the basemap version, and the
unit ID number for your chartplotter. You may need this information
to update the system software or to purchase additional map data
information.
From the home screen, select Congure > System > System
Information.
Restoring the Original Factory Settings
NOTE: This procedure deletes any information you have entered.
1. From the Home screen, select Congure > System > System
Information > Factory Settings.
2. Select Yes to restore all factory settings, or select No to cancel.
The unit reboots and prompts you to adjust unit settings (page 3).
Inserting and Removing SD Cards
Your unit supports Secure Digital (SD) cards. Insert optional
BlueChart
®
g2 Vision
®
SD cards to view high-resolution satellite
imagery and aerial reference photos of ports, harbors, marinas and
other points of interest. Insert blank SD cards to transfer data such as
waypoints, routes, and tracks to another compatible Garmin unit or
a computer (page 34). The SD card slot is located on the lower-right
corner of the unit.
To insert the SD card, open the access door and press the SD card in
until it clicks. Press the card in again and release it to eject it from
the chartplotter.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 7
Getting Started
NOTE: If using an SD card to transfer waypoints from MapSource®,
update to the most-current version of MapSource by clicking Help
> Check for Software Updates, or check the Garmin Web site at
www.garmin.com.
Understanding the Home Screen
Use the Home screen to access all other screens. Press HOME from
any screen to return to the Home screen.
Charts—selects Navigation, Fishing, Perspective 3D, Mariner’s
Eye 3D, Fish Eye 3D, and Split Navigation charts.
NOTE: Mariner’s Eye 3D, Fish Eye 3D, and Fishing charts are
available only if you use a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.
•
Sonar—set up and access sonar information (page 44).
NOTE: This option is available only if you have a unit with a
built-in sounder (model numbers ending with an “s” such as the
GPSMAP 526s), or if you have a transducer that is connected to an
external sounder, such as the Garmin GSD 20/21/22.
Chart/Sonar—set up the screen to view a chart and sonar in a
split screen (page 21).
Where To?—access navigation features (page 22).
Information—view information including dashboard options,
tides, currents, celestial data, user data, and information about
other vessels (page 30).
Congure—access unit and system settings (page 37).
•
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•
•

8 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Using Charts
Using Charts
Your chartplotter has a worldwide map, and a built-in detailed map
of US inland lakes, or BlueChart g2 cartography for either the USA
shoreline or a specic country.
Navigation Chart—displays all relevant navigation data
available on your preloaded maps, including buoys, lights,
cables, depth soundings, marinas, and tide stations, in an
overhead view.
Perspective 3D—provides a view from above and behind the
boat (according to your course), and provides a visual navigation
aid.
Split Navigation Chart—displays two different zoom levels of
the Navigation chart at the same time.
Fishing charts and Fish Eye 3D views are available when using
optional BlueChart g2 Vision preprogrammed SD cards.
Fishing Chart—provides a view of the chart with enhanced
bottom contours and without navigational data. This chart works
well for offshore deep-sea shing.
Fish Eye 3D—provides an underwater 3D view that visually
represents the sea oor according to the information on the chart.
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•
Mariner’s Eye 3D—provides a view from above and behind
the boat as a three-dimensional navigation aid. The BlueChart
g2 Vision Mariner’s Eye 3D is more detailed than the preloaded
data.
NOTE: If you are using a GPSMAP 420/421/520/521/525/526
(including “s” models), you must insert an optional BlueChart g2
Vision preprogrammed SD card to view detailed Navigation and
Mariner’s Eye charts.
Using the Navigation Chart
Use the Navigation chart to plan your course, to view map
information, and as a navigational aid.
To access a Navigation chart, from the Home screen, select
Charts > Navigation Chart.
•

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 9
Using Charts
Light
Beacon
Exposed
wreck
Your boat
Marina
services
Exposed
rock
Tide station
Zoom scale
Navigation Chart with g2 Vision
Navigation Chart Menu
To access additional settings or options for the Navigation chart,
press MENU.
Full Screen Map—view the Navigation or Fishing chart in full-
screen mode, without numbers.
Waypoints & Tracks—view, add, and congure waypoints
(page 24) and tracks (page 26).
Other Vessels—view information about other vessels if
your chartplotter is connected to an external AIS (Automatic
Identication System) or DSC (Digital Selective Calling) device
(page 49).
Stop Navigation—stop navigating to your destination (only
available while navigating).
Data Bars—show or hide cruising, navigation, shing, fuel, or
sailing numbers.
Data
bars

10 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Using Charts
Cruising—turn the GPS Speed, GPS Heading, Depth, and GPS
Position data bar on or off. Select Data Bar Setup to congure
the position of the data on the screen.
Navigation—turn the Distance to Destination, Arrival, Off
Course, and Bearing data bar on or off. Select Auto to turn on the
Navigation data bar whenever you are navigating to a destination.
Select Data Bar Setup to congure the Route Leg, Next Turn,
and Destination options.
Fishing—turn the Depth, Water Temperature, and Water Speed
data bar on or off.
Fuel—turn the Fuel Rate, Remaining Fuel, Range, and Fuel
Economy data bar on or off.
Sailing—turn the Water Speed, Wind Speed, Wind Angle, and
Wind Velocity Made Good (VMG) data bar on or off. Select
Wind to toggle between True and Apparent wind speed and wind
angle.
Understanding How Wind VMG and Waypoint
VMG Appear in the Data Bars
The chartplotter automatically switches between displaying Wind
Velocity Made Good (VMG) and Waypoint VMG in the data bars.
•
•
•
•
•
Waypoint VMG appears under these conditions:
The Route Leg data bar displays Waypoint VMG when you are
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line.
The Sailing data bar displays Waypoint VMG when you are
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line, and you turn off
the Route Leg data bar.
Wind VMG appears under these conditions:
The Sailing data bar displays Wind VMG when you are not
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line.
The Sailing data bar displays Wind VMG when the Route Leg
data bar is on.
Chart Setup—customize the Navigation chart settings (page 12).
Understanding Chart Data
BlueChart g2 and BlueChart g2 Vision charts use graphic symbols
to denote map features that follow the standards for USA 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 on the original paper chart), navigational aids
and symbols, and obstructions and cable areas.
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•

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 11
Using Charts
Navigating to a Point on the Chart
1. From the Home screen, select Charts.
2. Select Navigation Chart, Fishing Chart, or Split Navigation
Chart.
3. Use the Rocker to select the point on the chart to which you want
to go.
4. Press SELECT.
5. Select Navigate To.
6. Select Go To (or Guide To when using a preprogrammed
BlueChart g2 Vision card for Automatic Guidance).
7. Follow the colored line on the screen to the destination.
To create a route to a point on the chart, see page 25.
Panning the Navigation Chart
Use the Rocker to move the map pointer ( ) away from your
current location and to scroll to other areas on the Navigation chart.
As you pan past the edge of the current map display, the screen
scrolls forward to provide continuous map coverage.
As you move the map pointer, you can view the distance and
bearing from your current location and the map pointer’s location
coordinates in the lower-right corner of the map.
To pan the map, press up, down, right, or left on the Rocker.
Map
pointer
To stop panning, press MENU, and then select Stop Panning.
Zooming In and Out on the Map
The Range (-/+) keys control the zoom level, indicated by the scale
at the bottom of the Navigation chart ( ). The bar under the
number represents that distance on the map.

12 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Using Charts
Accessing Additional Object Information
Use the map pointer ( ) to view information about on-screen map
items, waypoints, and charts.
To access additional object information:
1. On the Navigation chart, highlight an item with the map pointer,
and press SELECT.
Selected
item
2. Select the item. If more than one item is in the area, select
Review, and then select the item.
Viewing Tide-Station Information
Tide-station information appears on the chart with a detailed icon
showing the relevant tide level. You can view an in-depth graph for
a tide station to help predict the tide level at different times or on
different days.
Use the map pointer ( ) to highlight a tide-station icon ( ),
and press SELECT.
For more information about tides, see page 32.
Changing the Navigation Chart Settings
To change chart settings from the home screen, select Charts >
Navigation Chart > MENU > Chart Setup.
Photos—sets the high-resolution satellite images to Off, Land
Only, or On. High-resolution satellite imagery is only available
while using a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.
Tides/Currents—turns tides and currents on or off (page 32).
Service Points—turns marine service points on or off.
Roses—displays a compass rose around your boat, indicating
compass direction. True wind or apparent wind direction displays if
the unit is connected to a compatible marine wind sensor.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 13
Using Charts
Wind direction
indicator
Compass rose
Changing the Chart Appearance
From the Home screen, select Charts > Navigation Chart >
MENU > Chart Setup > Chart Appearance.
Orientation—changes the perspective of the map display.
North Up—sets the top of the map display to a north heading.
Head Up—sets the map display to the current track heading.
Course Up—sets the map so the direction of navigation is
always up. The heading line appears vertically on the screen if
shown.
•
•
•
Detail—adjusts the amount of detail shown on the map at different
zoom levels.
Press right on
the Rocker to
increase map
detail.
Press left on
the Rocker to
decrease map
detail.
Heading Line—draws an extension line from the bow of the boat in
the direction of travel.
Off—turns the heading line off.
Distance—sets the distance to the end of the heading line.
Time—sets the amount of time until you reach the end of the
heading line.
World Map—displays a basic world map or satellite imagery (when
Full World Map is selected).
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•

14 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual
Using Charts
Spot Depths—turns spot soundings on or off and sets a dangerous
depth.
Safety Shading—identies a selected depth. Areas with depths
shallower than the specied value are shaded in blue while areas
with depths greater than the specied value are shaded in white. The
shading is always drawn at, or deeper than, the selected depth.
Symbols—changes symbol preferences.
Navaid Size—adjusts the size of the navaid symbols shown on
the map.
Navaid Type—selects the navaid symbol set (NOAA or IALA).
Land POIs—turns the display of land POIs (points of interest)
on or off.
Light Sectors—turns the sector in which a navigational light is
visible on or off. Selecting On lters out light sectors depending
on the zoom level.
Chart Borders—turns chart borders on when using a BlueChart
g2 Vision SD card and you want to see what area the maps cover.
Photo Points—turns camera icons (page 20) on or off when
using a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.
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•
•
•
•
•
Using the Split Navigation Chart
Use the Split Navigation chart to view two different zoom levels of
the Navigation chart at the same time.
Split Navigation Chart
(with a BlueChart g2 Vision card)
The top half of the screen is zoomed in 10 times closer than the
bottom half of the screen. The Range (-/+) keys control the zoom
level.
Press MENU to view additional settings (page 9).