Garmin GPS 10 Manual

The Garmin GPS 10 is a high-sensitivity, portable GPS receiver designed to provide accurate positioning data to compatible devices via Bluetooth or USB. It features WAAS-enabled satellite tracking, a built-in rechargeable battery, and is ideal for use with PDAs, laptops, and mobile phones for navigation, mapping, and location-based services. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Connecting to Devices 7. Using with Navigation Software 8. Battery & Power Management 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: GPS 10 receiver, USB cable, AC adapter, vehicle power cable, carrying case.

FeatureDescription
High-sensitivity GPS receiverProvides fast satellite acquisition and tracking, even in challenging environments
Bluetooth wireless technologyWirelessly connects to compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices
USB interfaceDirect wired connection to computers and other USB hosts
WAAS-enabledProvides enhanced position accuracy (within 3 meters typically)
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteryUp to 20 hours of operation on a full charge
LED status indicatorShows power, Bluetooth, and GPS fix status
Vehicle power cableFor charging and operation in a vehicle
Compact and portable designEasy to carry and mount on a dashboard or window
NMEA 0183 compliantOutputs standard GPS data sentences
Water-resistantDesigned to withstand splashes and light rain (IPX7)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all components are present.

  1. Charging the Battery: Connect the GPS 10 to the AC adapter or vehicle power cable and charge for at least 4 hours before first use.
  2. Mounting: Place the unit on a stable surface, such as a vehicle dashboard, or use the included adhesive disk for window mounting. Ensure the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky.
  3. Powering On: Press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds to turn on the unit.

WARNING! Do not mount the GPS 10 in a location that obstructs the driver's view. Secure cables to avoid entanglement.

First-Time Setup

Power on the GPS 10; the LED will flash. Follow these steps to establish a connection.

  1. Bluetooth Pairing: On your Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., PDA, laptop), enable Bluetooth and search for new devices. Select "GPS 10" from the list. Enter the passcode "1234" if prompted.
  2. USB Connection: Connect the GPS 10 to your computer using the USB cable. The computer should recognize it as a new GPS device.
  3. Software Configuration: Install any required drivers or navigation software (e.g., Garmin nRoute, MapSource) and configure the software to use the GPS 10 as the GPS data source.
  4. Acquiring Satellites: Place the unit outdoors with a clear view of the sky. The LED will turn solid green when a 3D GPS fix is acquired.

CAUTION! Ensure the device you are connecting to is compatible with the GPS 10. Refer to the device's manual for Bluetooth pairing instructions.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

The GPS 10 has a single Power button and a multi-color LED status indicator.

Power Button: Press and hold for 2 seconds to turn the unit on or off. A short press when on will cycle the LED through different brightness levels (High, Low, Off).

LED Status Indicator:

LED StateMeaning
Flashing RedPower is on, but no GPS fix.
Solid Green3D GPS fix acquired.
Flashing Green2D GPS fix acquired.
Flashing BlueBluetooth is discoverable (for 2 minutes after power-on).
Solid BlueBluetooth is connected to a device.
Flashing AmberBattery is charging.
Solid AmberBattery is fully charged.

Connecting to Devices

The GPS 10 can connect via Bluetooth or USB.

  1. Bluetooth Connection:
    1. Turn on the GPS 10. The LED will flash blue for 2 minutes, indicating it is discoverable.
    2. On your host device, enable Bluetooth and start a search for new devices.
    3. Select "GPS 10" from the list of found devices.
    4. If prompted for a passcode, enter "1234".
    5. The LED will turn solid blue when connected.
  2. USB Connection:
    1. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the GPS 10.
    2. Connect the standard USB end to your computer.
    3. The GPS 10 will power on automatically and be recognized as a serial COM port (drivers may install automatically).

Tip: For best Bluetooth range (up to 10 meters), ensure there are no large obstructions between the GPS 10 and the host device.

Using with Navigation Software

Once connected, configure your software to receive data from the GPS 10.

  1. Selecting the GPS Source: In your navigation software (e.g., Garmin nRoute, Google Earth, other mapping software), go to the GPS or Tools menu. Select "Setup GPS" or similar.
  2. Choosing the Connection:
    • For Bluetooth: Select the virtual serial COM port assigned to the GPS 10 during pairing.
    • For USB: Select the COM port assigned to the USB connection (check Device Manager on Windows).
  3. Verifying Data: The software should display satellite signal strength and current coordinates once a fix is acquired. You can now use real-time tracking, routing, and mapping features.
  4. NMEA Data: The GPS 10 outputs standard NMEA sentences (GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC) which are compatible with most navigation applications.

WARNING! Do not operate navigation software while driving. Have a passenger operate it or pull over safely.

Battery & Power Management

The built-in lithium-ion battery provides extended use. For optimal performance:

CAUTION! Use only the provided cables and adapter. Using incompatible chargers may damage the battery or unit.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug cables before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior. Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasives.

CAUTION! Although water-resistant, do not submerge the unit for prolonged periods. Do not expose to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For the latest software and documentation, visit www.garmin.com. For support in North America, call 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
LED does not lightBattery depletedConnect to power source and charge for at least 30 minutes.
No GPS fix (LED flashing red)Poor satellite viewMove to an open area with a clear view of the sky. Ensure unit is not indoors or in a vehicle with metallic tinting.
Bluetooth device cannot find GPS 10Not in discoverable modePower cycle the GPS 10. It is discoverable for 2 minutes after power-on (flashing blue LED). Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on host device.
Bluetooth pairing failsIncorrect passcodeUse passcode "1234". Delete the "GPS 10" pairing from your host device and try again.
Navigation software shows no dataWrong COM port selectedVerify the correct COM port is selected in the software settings. Check Device Manager (Windows) for the assigned port number.
Battery drains quicklyOld battery or extreme coldBattery capacity decreases with age and use. In cold temperatures, battery life is reduced. Keep the unit charged and warm when possible.
USB not recognizedFaulty cable or portTry a different USB cable or port on your computer. Ensure the GPS 10 is powered on.

Reset: If the unit becomes unresponsive, perform a soft reset by pressing and holding the Power button for 10 seconds.

Service: For technical support, visit www.garmin.com/support or call 1-800-800-1020.

Garmin GPS 10 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025