Garmin GPS 126 Owners Manual

The Garmin GPS 126 is a rugged, waterproof marine GPS receiver designed for navigation on the water. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, intuitive interface, waypoint and route management, track logging, and NMEA 0183 compatibility for connecting to autopilots and chartplotters. 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 Settings 6. Connecting to External Devices 7. Basic Navigation 8. Waypoints & Routes 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Waterproof case, backlit display, external antenna connector, power/data cable port, mounting bracket.

Feature	Description
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Display	High-contrast LCD with backlight
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity, 12 parallel channels
Waypoints	Storage for 500 user waypoints
Routes	Up to 20 reversible routes with 50 waypoints each
Tracks	Automatic track log with 10 saved tracks
NMEA 0183	Output for connecting to compatible devices
Power Input	10-40 VDC, typical 12V marine system
Backlight	Adjustable for night use
Mounting	Includes swivel bracket for dash or console

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a mounting location with clear view of sky.

Mount the bracket: Use provided hardware to secure bracket to dash or console.
Connect power: Route power cable to 12V source; connect red to positive, black to negative.
Connect antenna: If using external antenna, attach to antenna port.
Secure the unit: Snap GPS 126 into mounting bracket.

WARNING! Ensure all electrical connections are waterproofed. Do not mount in location that obstructs operator's view.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial prompts.

Acquire satellites: Place unit outdoors with clear sky view; allow several minutes for first fix.
Set language: Use MENU > Setup > System to select language.
Set units: Configure nautical or statute miles, feet/meters, etc.
Set time: Choose local time or UTC.
Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions.

CAUTION! Initial satellite acquisition requires clear view of sky. Avoid metal obstructions.

Specifications

Dimensions: 5.7" W x 3.2" H x 2.1" D (145 x 81 x 53 mm).
Weight: 10.6 oz (300 g).
Display: 2.7" diagonal, 160 x 240 pixels.
GPS Accuracy: < 10 meters RMS.
Waypoints/Routes: 500 waypoints, 20 routes.
Track Log: 10,000 points, 10 saved tracks.
Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
Power: 10-40 VDC, 1W max.
Interface: NMEA 0183 v2.0/3.0.
Operating Temp: -15° to 70°C (5° to 158°F).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ENTER, ROCKER key (up/down/left/right).

Key Functions: POWER turns unit on/off. PAGE cycles through display pages (Map, Compass, Highway, etc.). ENTER selects/marks. ROCKER navigates menus and moves cursor.

Main Menu: Access via PAGE hold or MENU button. Includes: Mark Waypoint, Routes, Tracks, Setup (System, Units, Time, NMEA), Alarms, System Info.

Setup Options: Units (Distance, Speed, Depth), Time Format, Language, NMEA Output Settings, Backlight Timeout, Contrast.

Connecting to External Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to autopilot, chartplotter, or VHF radio for position data.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
Identify NMEA In/Out wires on GPS 126 cable (typically blue for out+, brown for out-).
Connect to NMEA input of external device following its manual.
Enable NMEA output in GPS 126 Setup menu.

Tip: Use shielded cable for NMEA connections and keep runs short to avoid interference.

Basic Navigation

Primary display pages provide navigation information.

Satellite Page: Shows satellite strength and position accuracy.
Map Page: Displays your position, waypoints, and track. Use ROCKER to pan.
Compass Page: Shows bearing to destination, speed, and distance.
Highway Page: Graphical "highway" for course guidance.
Navigate To: Select a waypoint or route, then "Go To" for navigation.
Follow bearing: Course pointer indicates direction to steer.

WARNING! GPS is an aid to navigation. Always use in conjunction with proper charts and situational awareness.

Waypoints & Routes

Mark Waypoint: Press ENTER from any page. Edit name/location/symbol, then SAVE.

Create Route: MENU > Routes > New Route. Add existing waypoints or create new ones.

Navigate Route: Select route, then "Navigate". Follow on-screen prompts.

Track Log: Tracks are automatically recorded. Save current track via MENU > Tracks > Save.

Care & Maintenance

Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use. Wipe display with soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals.

CAUTION! Ensure power is disconnected before cleaning. Do not open case; no user-serviceable parts inside.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to condition that device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection	Check fuse, verify 12V at cable, ensure connections are secure and dry.
No satellite signal	Obstruction/location	Move to open area, ensure clear view of sky, wait several minutes.
Inaccurate position	Poor satellite geometry	Ensure multiple satellites are acquired; wait for better alignment.
NMEA data not received	Wiring/configuration	Check wiring connections; verify NMEA output is enabled in setup.
Display dim or blank	Backlight/power	Adjust backlight setting; check power voltage.

Reset: Hold PAGE + ENTER while powering on to master reset (erases all user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.