Garmin GPS Montana 600 Manual

The Garmin Montana 600 is a rugged, high-sensitivity GPS handheld designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a 4-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen, dual-orientation display, 3.2MP autofocus camera with geotagging, preloaded worldwide basemap, 3-axis electronic compass, barometric altimeter, wireless sharing, and supports paperless geocaching. Powered by AA batteries or optional rechargeable NiMH pack. 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. Navigation & Mapping 8. Camera & Geotagging 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 4-inch touchscreen display, Power button, Camera button, Zoom buttons, microSD card slot, USB port, battery compartment.

FeatureDescription
High-sensitivity GPSFast acquisition and tracking under tree cover or in canyons
3.2MP autofocus cameraCaptures photos with location data (geotagging)
3-axis electronic compassShows heading while standing still
Barometric altimeterTracks changes in pressure for accurate elevation data
Wireless sharingExchanges waypoints, tracks, routes, and geocaches with compatible units
Paperless geocachingStores and displays geocache information directly on device
Dual-orientation displayAutomatically rotates between portrait and landscape views
Rugged constructionIPX7 waterproof; withstands drops, dust, and humidity
Preloaded basemapIncludes worldwide map with shaded relief
Power source2 AA batteries (included) or optional rechargeable NiMH pack

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install batteries or optional rechargeable pack.

  1. Install batteries: Open battery compartment door, insert two AA batteries observing polarity.
  2. Install optional rechargeable pack: Remove AA batteries, insert NiMH pack, connect to USB for charging.
  3. Install microSD card (optional): Insert card into slot for additional maps or data storage.
  4. Charge device: Connect USB cable to computer or approved power adapter.

WARNING! Use only approved batteries and chargers. Do not expose to extreme temperatures during charging.

First-Time Setup

Power on device; follow on-screen prompts.

  1. Initial configuration: Select language, units of measure, time format.
  2. Calibrate compass: Follow on-screen instructions in open area away from metal objects.
  3. Calibrate touchscreen: Use stylus or finger to tap targets as directed.
  4. Acquire satellite signal: Go outdoors with clear view of sky for first GPS fix.
  5. Set up wireless: Enable ANT+ for sensor pairing and wireless data sharing.

CAUTION! Ensure proper calibration for accurate navigation. Keep device away from magnetic sources during compass calibration.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via touchscreen or physical buttons. Front Panel: POWER, Camera, Zoom In/Out.

Touchscreen: Tap icons for main menu, map, compass, trip computer, camera, geocaches, setup.

Navigation Settings: Map orientation (North Up, Track Up), routing preferences, avoidances. System Settings: Display brightness, backlight timeout, power management, language, units. Sensor Settings: Compass calibration, altimeter calibration, pressure trending. Wireless Settings: ANT+ sensor pairing, data sharing with other Garmin devices.

Connecting Devices

USB: For data transfer and charging. ANT+: For wireless sensors and data sharing.

  1. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to transfer maps, routes, waypoints, and photos.
  2. Pair wireless sensors: Enable ANT+, select sensor type (heart rate, temperature, etc.), follow pairing prompts.
  3. Share data wirelessly: Enable wireless sharing, select items to send/receive with compatible Garmin devices.

Tip: Ensure wireless sharing is enabled on both devices before attempting data transfer.

Navigation & Mapping

Supports GPS navigation with preloaded basemap; accepts detailed mapping via microSD card.

  1. Create waypoint: Tap map location, select "Mark Waypoint," edit details if needed.
  2. Navigate to waypoint: Select waypoint from list, tap "Go."
  3. Follow route: Create or load route, select "Navigate Route."
  4. Record track: Enable track recording to log your path; save or clear as needed.
  5. Use trip computer: View speed, distance, elevation, and other trip data.
  6. Load maps: Install detailed maps via microSD card or computer transfer.
  7. Geocache: Download geocaches via computer, view details, log finds.

WARNING! GPS accuracy may be reduced in deep canyons, dense forests, or near tall buildings. Always carry backup navigation methods.

Camera & Geotagging

Camera: Press Camera button to capture photos; photos are automatically geotagged with location data. View photos in Gallery; sort by location or date.

Care & Cleaning

Power off before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for screen and casing. For stubborn dirt, dampen cloth with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners. Ensure battery compartment is dry before inserting batteries.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to conditions 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 at 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBatteries depleted/incorrectly installedReplace batteries; ensure correct polarity; check battery contacts.
Poor GPS receptionObstructed view of skyMove to open area; ensure device is oriented correctly.
Compass inaccurateNeed calibration/magnetic interferenceRecalibrate compass away from metal objects; check for nearby magnets.
Touchscreen unresponsiveScreen dirty/needs calibrationClean screen; recalibrate touchscreen in setup menu.
Camera not workingMemory full/device in sleep modeFree up memory; wake device before using camera.

Reset: Hold POWER button for 10 seconds to force restart if device becomes unresponsive.

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

Garmin GPS Montana 600 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025