Garmin GPS 210 Manual

The Garmin GPS 210 is a compact, waterproof marine GPS receiver designed for navigation on boats and other watercraft. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, intuitive interface, waypoint marking, route creation, 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 Devices 7. Basic Navigation 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Waterproof housing, LCD display, Control buttons, Power/data cable, External antenna connector, NMEA 0183 output.

FeatureDescription
Waterproof ratingIPX7 submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
DisplayHigh-contrast LCD with backlight
GPS receiverHigh-sensitivity WAAS-enabled
Waypoints500 user-definable waypoints with names and symbols
Routes20 reversible routes with up to 50 waypoints each
TracksAutomatic track log with 10,000 points
NMEA 0183Compatible output for connecting to other marine electronics
Power input10-32 V DC
BacklightAdjustable for night use
MountingFlush mount or bracket mount options

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose suitable mounting location.

  1. Mount the unit: Select location with clear view of sky; use provided template to mark holes; secure with screws.
  2. Connect power: Route power cable to 10-32V DC source; connect red wire to positive, black wire to negative.
  3. Connect antenna: Ensure external antenna has clear view of sky; connect to ANT port if using external antenna.
  4. Connect NMEA devices: Connect NMEA 0183 output wires to compatible chartplotter or autopilot.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are waterproofed using marine-grade sealant. Disconnect power before installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

  1. Acquire GPS signal: Place unit in open area with clear sky view; allow 5-15 minutes for first fix.
  2. Set language: In SETUP menu, select preferred language.
  3. Set units: Choose nautical miles/statute miles/kilometers, feet/meters, etc.
  4. Set time: Configure time zone and format (12/24 hour).
  5. Calibrate compass: Follow on-screen instructions if equipped with electronic compass.

CAUTION! Ensure proper power polarity to avoid damage to unit.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via PAGE and ENTER buttons. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ENTER, UP/DOWN arrows, BACKLIGHT.

Key Functions: PAGE cycles through screens (Map, Compass, Highway, Active Route). ENTER selects/marks. UP/DOWN navigates menus and adjusts values.

Settings: Units (nautical/statute/km), Time (format/zone), Alarms (anchor, arrival, off-course), Display (contrast, backlight), System (interface, reset). Navigation: Waypoint creation, Route planning, Go To navigation, Track display.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to chartplotters, autopilots, sounders. Power: Connect to boat's DC system.

  1. Turn off all devices before connecting.
  2. Identify NMEA wires: TX+ (transmit positive), TX- (transmit negative), RX+ (receive positive), RX- (receive negative).
  3. Connect to compatible device following device's manual.
  4. Seal connections with waterproof heat shrink or sealant.

Tip: Use marine-grade wire and connectors for all installations.

Basic Navigation

Supports waypoint navigation, route following, and track recording.

  1. Mark waypoint: Press and hold ENTER at current location; name waypoint.
  2. Go To waypoint: Select waypoint from list; press ENTER; select "Go To".
  3. Create route: In ROUTE menu, select "New"; add waypoints in sequence.
  4. Follow route: Select route; choose "Navigate".
  5. View track: Press PAGE to cycle to track display screen.
  6. Clear track: In TRACK menu, select "Clear".
  7. Man overboard: Press and hold PAGE button to mark MOB position and begin navigation back.

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

Advanced Features

Tide Information: View tide stations and predictions for supported areas. Alarms: Set anchor drag, arrival, off-course alarms. NMEA Output: Output position, speed, and heading data to compatible devices.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Do not disassemble unit. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower connectionCheck fuse; verify 10-32V DC at unit; check polarity.
Poor GPS signalObstructionMove to open area; ensure antenna has clear view of sky.
Inaccurate positionSatellite geometryWait for better satellite alignment; ensure WAAS enabled.
No NMEA outputWiring/configurationCheck NMEA wiring; verify baud rate (4800); check device settings.
Display blankBacklight/powerAdjust backlight setting; check power connection.
Buttons not respondingMoisture/defectEnsure unit is dry; if problem persists, contact support.

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

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support; www.garmin.com

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