Garmin GPS 150XL Manual

The Garmin GPS 150XL is a rugged, waterproof marine GPS receiver designed for navigation on the water. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, a large, easy-to-read display, intuitive interface, waypoint and route management, NMEA 0183 output, and a built-in simulator mode. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Waterproof housing, Backlit LCD display, Control buttons, External antenna connector, Power/data cable port.

Feature	Description
Waterproof Design	Rated to IPX7 standard for marine environments
High-Sensitivity Receiver	Fast acquisition and tracking even in poor conditions
Large Display	Backlit LCD for clear viewing day or night
Waypoint Storage	Stores up to 500 user-defined waypoints
Route Management	Create and follow routes with up to 50 points
NMEA 0183 Output	Interface with autopilots, chartplotters, and other instruments
Simulator Mode	Practice navigation without GPS signal
MOB (Man Overboard)	Instant mark and navigation back to a position
TracBack®	Reverse your track to navigate back to start
Power Input	10-40 VDC, typical 12V marine system

Installation

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

1. Mount the unit: Use provided bracket to mount in a secure, visible location.
2. Connect power: Route the power/data cable to the boat's 12V DC system. Connect red wire to positive (+), black wire to negative (-).
3. Connect antenna: If using external antenna, connect to ANTENNA port.
4. Connect to other devices: Use NMEA 0183 wires to interface with compatible devices.
5. Secure all cables and protect from moisture.

WARNING! Ensure all electrical connections are secure and protected from short circuits. Drill mounting holes carefully.

First-Time Setup

Apply power to the unit; follow on-screen prompts.

1. Initialization: Upon first power-up, the unit may need to initialize its position. This can take several minutes.
2. Set preferences: Use the MENU button to set units (nautical miles/statute miles/kilometers), north reference (True/Magnetic), time format, and display contrast.
3. Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions if unit has electronic compass feature.
4. Verify GPS signal: Ensure the unit is acquiring satellites and displaying a valid position.

CAUTION! For accurate navigation, ensure the unit has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.

Specifications

• Receiver: High-sensitivity GPS.
• Waypoints: 500.
• Routes: 20 reversible routes with up to 50 points each.
• Track Log: 10 saved tracks, 10,000 points total.
• Interface: NMEA 0183 v2.0 and v3.0.
• Display: 4-level grayscale LCD, 160 x 104 pixels, backlit.
• Power: 10-40 VDC, 1 Watt.
• Waterproof: IPX7.
• Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F).
• Dimensions: 5.1" W x 3.2" H x 2.3" D (13.0 x 8.1 x 5.8 cm).

Controls and Settings

Access functions via front panel buttons: POWER, PAGE, ENTER/MARK, GOTO, MOB, MENU, ROCKER key (UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT).

Key Functions: POWER turns unit on/off. PAGE cycles through main display pages (Satellite, Navigation, Highway, Map). ENTER/MARK marks current position as a waypoint. GOTO initiates navigation to a selected waypoint. MOB marks Man Overboard position and initiates navigation back. MENU accesses setup and feature menus.

Settings: Units, North Reference, Time, Alarms (Anchor, Off Course, Arrival), System (Interface, Simulator, System Reset).

Connecting to External Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect NMEA OUT wires to other device's NMEA IN. Connect NMEA IN wires to other device's NMEA OUT.

1. Turn off all devices before connecting wires.
2. Identify NMEA wires in the power/data cable (typically Blue = NMEA OUT+, Brown = NMEA OUT-, Green = NMEA IN+, Yellow = NMEA IN-).
3. Connect to compatible devices like autopilots, chartplotters, or VHF radios for DSC.
4. Configure the GPS 150XL's interface settings (MENU > System > Interface) to match the connected device's requirements (baud rate, sentences).

Tip: Use shielded cable for NMEA connections and keep runs as short as possible to reduce interference.

Basic Navigation

Primary navigation screens: Satellite, Navigation, Highway, Map.

1. Go To a Waypoint: Press GOTO, select a waypoint from the list with the ROCKER key, press ENTER.
2. Follow a Route: Press MENU, select 'Routes', select a route, choose 'Navigate'.
3. MOB Function: Press and hold the MOB button to instantly mark the current position and begin navigation back to it.
4. TracBack: Press MENU from the Map page, select 'TracBack' to reverse your track log.
5. View Data: The Navigation page displays essential data like Speed Over Ground (SOG), Course Over Ground (COG), Bearing, Distance, Time To Go (TTG), and Cross Track Error (XTE).

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

Waypoints & Routes

Creating a Waypoint: Press and hold ENTER/MARK from any page. Edit name/location/symbol if desired, press ENTER to save.

Managing Waypoints: MENU > Waypoints. View, edit, delete, or navigate to waypoints.

Creating a Route: MENU > Routes > New. Add existing waypoints or create new ones in sequence. Save the route.

Editing a Route: Select a route from the list, choose 'Edit' to add, remove, or reorder points.

Care & Maintenance

Use a soft, damp cloth with fresh water to clean the case and display. Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasives.

Periodically check cable connections for corrosion, especially in marine environments. Ensure the external antenna connector (if used) is sealed.

CAUTION! Do not open the unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin®, TracBack® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

For the latest software updates and product support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No Power	Blown fuse, loose connection	Check boat's fuse panel. Verify power cable connections are secure at unit and power source.
"Acquiring Satellites"	Poor sky view, first-time use	Move to an open area. For first use, allow up to 15 minutes for initial acquisition.
Inaccurate Position	Poor satellite geometry, multipath	Ensure clear view of sky. Wait for GPS to update. Avoid large metal structures.
No NMEA Data Output	Incorrect wiring or settings	Verify NMEA wiring connections. Check Interface settings (baud rate, sentences enabled).
Display is dim or blank	Backlight setting, power issue	Press PAGE or ROCKER key to wake display. Adjust contrast/brightness in settings. Check power.

Reset: MENU > System > Reset. Choose 'Clear All User Data' or 'Master Reset' (use with caution, erases all waypoints/routes/tracks).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or visit www.garmin.com/support.