Garmin GPS 550s Manual

The Garmin GPS 550s is a rugged, waterproof marine GPS chartplotter featuring a high-resolution color display, preloaded coastal charts, sonar capabilities (when connected to a compatible transducer), waypoint and route management, track recording, NMEA 0183/2000 connectivity, and a sunlight-readable screen. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-resolution color display, Power/data cable, Mounting hardware, Protective cover, Preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts.

Feature	Description
Display	Sunlight-readable, 5-inch color TFT, 480 x 640 pixels
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Chartplotting	Preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts with detailed coverage
Sonar Capability	Supports dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) when connected to transducer
Waypoints/Routes	Store up to 3000 waypoints; create and follow routes
Tracks	Record and save track logs for navigation history
Connectivity	NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 compatible for data sharing
Power Input	10-32 V DC, typical marine electrical system
Mounting	Includes bracket for flush or surface mounting
Controls	Front-panel buttons for menu navigation and operation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location carefully.

1. Mount the unit: Use provided bracket to mount on console or flat surface. Ensure clear view and access.
2. Connect power: Route power cable to boat's DC electrical panel (10-32 V DC). Connect red to positive, black to negative.
3. Connect transducer (optional): If using sonar, connect transducer cable to appropriate port.
4. Connect NMEA devices (optional): Wire NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 cables for data sharing with other instruments.
5. Secure cables: Use cable ties to secure loose cables and protect from damage.

WARNING! Ensure power is off during installation. Drill holes carefully to avoid damaging boat structure. Use sealant around mounting holes if needed.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

1. Acquire GPS signal: Place unit in open sky view; wait for satellite acquisition (may take several minutes).
2. Set language: In SETTINGS menu, select preferred language (default ENGLISH).
3. Configure units: Set distance, speed, depth, and temperature units (nautical/statute, knots/mph, feet/meters, °F/°C).
4. Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions for magnetic compass calibration.
5. Set time: Choose automatic GPS time or set manually; select time zone and format.

CAUTION! Do not power on until all connections are secure and waterproof. Ensure proper ventilation around unit.

Specifications

• Display Size: 5 inches diagonal.
• Display Resolution: 480 x 640 pixels, color TFT.
• Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
• GPS Receiver: High-sensitivity, WAAS enabled.
• Charts: Preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts.
• Sonar: Dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) capable (transducer sold separately).
• Waypoints: 3000 with name and symbol.
• Tracks: 10,000 points per track; 20 saved tracks.
• Power: 10-32 V DC, 1.5 A max.
• Operating Temp: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).
• Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.2 x 6.6 cm (6.5" x 5.2" x 2.6").

Controls and Settings

Access menus via front-panel buttons: POWER, PAGE, MENU, ENTER, ROCKER (up/down/left/right).

Key Functions: POWER turns unit on/off. PAGE cycles through display pages (Chart, Sonar, Compass, Highway). MENU accesses context-sensitive options. ENTER selects highlighted item. ROCKER navigates menus and moves cursor.

Settings Menu: System (Language, Units, Time), Navigation (Route Preferences, Alarms), Sonar (Frequency, Sensitivity, Range), Chart (Detail, Orientation, Tides), Communications (NMEA Settings, Data Sources).

Connecting Devices

Power: 10-32 V DC via power cable. Transducer: For sonar, connect compatible transducer. NMEA: Connect to other marine instruments for data sharing.

1. Turn off power to all devices before connecting.
2. Match cable connectors to correct ports on rear of unit.
3. For NMEA 0183: Connect TX/RX wires per wiring diagram in manual.
4. For NMEA 2000: Use certified NMEA 2000 cable and tee connector.
5. Seal connections with waterproof tape or heat shrink if exposed.

Tip: Use dielectric grease on connectors to prevent corrosion in marine environment.

Navigation & Chartplotting

Use preloaded charts for coastal navigation.

1. View chart: Press PAGE to select Chart page. Use ROCKER to pan chart.
2. Create waypoint: Move cursor to desired location; press ENTER > "Mark Waypoint".
3. Navigate to waypoint: From waypoint list, select waypoint > "Go To".
4. Create route: MENU > Routes > Create New. Add waypoints in sequence.
5. Follow route: Select route from list > "Navigate Route".
6. Track recording: MENU > Tracks > Record Track to log your path.
7. Zoom: Use IN/OUT buttons or ROCKER to zoom chart level.
8. Chart details: Adjust detail level, show/hide nav aids, depth contours.

WARNING! GPS is an aid to navigation. Always use updated charts and traditional navigation methods for safety.

Sonar Features

When connected to transducer, displays depth, bottom contour, and fish arches.

1. Select Sonar page: Press PAGE to cycle to Sonar display.
2. Adjust frequency: MENU > Sonar Setup > Frequency (50 kHz for deep water, 200 kHz for detail).
3. Set range: Auto or manual depth range.
4. Adjust sensitivity: Increase to see weaker returns; decrease to reduce clutter.
5. Use zoom: Zoom in on bottom or specific depth range.
6. Set alarms: Depth alarm, fish alarm, temperature alarm.

Note: Sonar performance depends on transducer installation and water conditions.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use fresh water and mild soap with soft cloth. Rinse after saltwater use. Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, or high-pressure spray.

CAUTION! Ensure unit is powered off and disconnected. Do not allow water into connectors. Dry thoroughly before reconnecting power.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device must not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Contains FCC ID: IPH-00210A. Industry Canada IC: 1792A-00210A. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin and BlueChart are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support at 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection	Check fuse (3A); verify 10-32 V DC at power cable; ensure connections are clean and tight.
No GPS signal	Obstruction/antenna	Move to open sky view; wait several minutes; check for physical damage to unit.
Display blank/dim	Power/brightness	Check power; adjust display brightness in settings; ensure not in sunlight mode.
Sonar not working	Transducer/connections	Verify transducer connected properly; check for damage; ensure sonar source selected.
Waypoints not saving	Memory full	Delete old waypoints to free space; ensure proper save procedure.
NMEA data not sharing	Wiring/settings	Check NMEA wiring; verify correct baud rate and sentences in communications setup.

Reset: Hold POWER + PAGE during startup for system reset (may erase user data).

Service: 1-800-800-1020; www.garmin.com/support