Garmin GPS 152H Installation Manual

The Garmin GPS 152H is a rugged, waterproof marine GPS receiver designed for professional and recreational boating. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, a sunlight-readable 4-inch grayscale display, NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connectivity, internal tide data, and a built-in worldwide basemap. This manual covers essential installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance and safety.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Package Contents 3. Mounting the Unit 4. Power Connection 5. NMEA Data Connections 6. Initial Setup & Configuration 7. Basic Operation 8. Waypoints & Routes 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Specifications 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: GPS 152H unit, mounting bracket, power/data cable, documentation.

Feature	Description
High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver	Provides fast acquisition and tracking even in challenging conditions
Sunlight-Readable Display	4-inch grayscale FSTN display for clear viewing in bright light
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000 Support	Connects to marine networks for data sharing (depth, speed, etc.)
Internal Tide Data	Provides tide station information for U.S. coasts
Worldwide Basemap	Includes marine navigation aids (buoys, lights)
Waypoints & Routes	Store up to 3000 waypoints and 100 routes
Track Log	Records and stores track history
MOB (Man Overboard) Function	Instant mark and navigation to a man overboard position
Backlit Keypad & Display	For night operation

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all components are present.

GPS 152H Unit
Mounting Bracket with Hardware
Power/Data Cable (with fuse)
Documentation (Quick Start Guide, Safety Sheet)
Template for Mounting Holes

WARNING! Do not discard packaging until installation is complete. Inspect for shipping damage.

Mounting the Unit

Select a location with clear view of the sky, within easy reach of the operator, and protected from heavy spray.

Use the provided template to mark drill holes on a flat, sturdy surface (dashboard or console).
Drill holes for the mounting bracket screws and cable pass-through.
Secure the mounting bracket using the supplied screws and sealant (user-provided) to prevent water ingress.
Attach the GPS unit to the bracket by sliding it into place and tightening the locking knob.
Ensure the unit is firmly secured and does not vibrate excessively.

CAUTION! Avoid mounting near magnetic compasses (maintain at least 3 feet/1 meter separation).

Power Connection

The unit operates from 10–40 VDC. Connect to the vessel's battery via the supplied cable.

Identify the red (positive) and black (negative) wires on the power/data cable.
Connect the red wire to the positive (+) terminal of the battery or a switched fuse panel (recommended).
Connect the black wire to the negative (-) terminal or vessel ground.
Install the in-line fuse (2 A) near the power source connection.
Route the cable away from high-current wires and engine ignition sources to avoid interference.

Tip: Use a waterproof cable gland at the entry point to the console to maintain the IPX7 rating.

NMEA Data Connections

To connect to other marine electronics (e.g., sounder, autopilot) for data exchange.

NMEA 0183: Use the blue (Tx/A Out) and brown (Rx/B In) wires. Connect to compatible devices per their manuals.

NMEA 2000: Requires an optional Garmin NMEA 2000 cable and network backbone. Connect to the network drop cable.

Ensure all devices and the GPS are powered OFF before making connections.
Follow wiring diagrams precisely. Incorrect connections can damage equipment.
After connection, configure the NMEA sentences in the GPS interface menu.

Initial Setup & Configuration

Power on the unit for the first time.

Acquire Satellite Signal: Place the unit in an open area with a clear sky view. Initial acquisition may take several minutes.
Set Language & Units: Press MENU > Settings > System > Language/Units. Select language (default ENGLISH) and nautical/metric units.
Configure Position Format: Go to Settings > Position Format. Select LAT/LON (hddd° mm.mmm').
Set Time: Configure time zone and daylight saving in the Time settings. Can be set to GPS time.
Calibrate Compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen prompts if using external heading sensor.

CAUTION! Do not operate the unit while driving the vessel during initial setup.

Basic Operation

Front Panel Keys: POWER, PAGE, ENTER/MARK, ROCKER (up/down/left/right), MENU, BACKLIGHT.

Primary Pages: Use PAGE key to cycle through: - Map Page (default navigation view) - Compass Page (steering information) - Highway Page (course deviation indicator) - Position Page (coordinates, speed, heading) - Main Menu (access to all functions)

Basic Navigation: 1. From the Map page, use the rocker to move the cursor. 2. Press ENTER/MARK to create a waypoint at the cursor location. 3. With a waypoint selected, press GOTO to start navigation. 4. Follow the bearing line or highway display to the destination.

Waypoints & Routes

Creating and managing navigation data.

Create Waypoint: Move cursor to desired location, press ENTER/MARK, edit name/symbol if needed, select OK.
Goto a Waypoint: From the Waypoint list or map, select a waypoint and choose GOTO.
Create a Route: MENU > Route > New Route. Add existing waypoints in sequence.
Follow a Route: Select the route from the list and choose NAVIGATE.
MOB Function: Press and hold ENTER/MARK for 2 seconds. The unit marks the current position and begins navigation back to it.

WARNING! Always verify waypoint coordinates. Do not rely solely on GPS for navigation; use proper charts and situational awareness.

Maintenance & Care

To ensure longevity and reliable operation.

Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth with fresh water to clean the display and case. Do not use chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.
Connectors: Periodically inspect cable connections for corrosion. Apply dielectric grease to connectors if in a harsh marine environment.
Storage: If removing the unit for storage, ensure it is dry and store in a cool, dry place.
Software Updates: Check the Garmin website periodically for software updates via the PC interface cable (optional).

CAUTION! Do not open the unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Specifications

Physical: 6.1" W x 4.0" H x 2.6" D (155 x 102 x 66 mm). Weight: 1.3 lb (0.6 kg).
Display: 4.0" diagonal, 240 x 160 pixels, grayscale FSTN, sunlight readable.
Power: 10–40 VDC, 2 A max (fused).
GPS Receiver: High-sensitivity, WAAS enabled.
Interface: NMEA 0183 (2x input, 2x output), NMEA 2000 (with optional cable).
Environmental: IPX7 waterproof. Operating Temp: -15° to 70°C (5° to 158°F).
Data Storage: 3000 waypoints, 100 routes, 10,000 track points.
Compliance: FCC, CE, RoHS.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Unit will not power on	No power, blown fuse, incorrect wiring	Check battery voltage; verify fuse is intact; confirm red/black wires are correctly connected.
No GPS signal/position	Poor sky view, initial acquisition	Move to an open area; ensure no metal obstructions; wait up to 15 minutes for cold start.
Inaccurate position	Poor satellite geometry, multipath	Check satellite signal strength page; ensure unit is away from large reflective surfaces.
No NMEA data output	Incorrect wiring, wrong sentences enabled	Verify NMEA wiring connections; go to Settings > Interface > NMEA 0183 and ensure correct sentences are set to ON.
Display is dim or unreadable	Backlight setting, extreme temperatures	Adjust backlight level (press BACKLIGHT key); allow unit to acclimate to ambient temperature.
Buttons not responding	Unit locked, moisture under bezel	Press and hold POWER for 10 seconds to reset; ensure unit is dry. If persistent, contact support.

Reset: To restore factory defaults, press and hold PAGE and ENTER/MARK while powering on. (Note: This erases all user data.)

Service: For technical support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.