Garmin GPS Montana 650t Manual

The Garmin Montana 650t is a rugged, high-sensitivity handheld GPS device featuring a 4-inch dual-orientation touchscreen, preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps, a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with geotagging, 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, barometric altimeter, wireless sharing, and support for paperless geocaching. 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: High-sensitivity GPS receiver, 4-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen, 5MP camera, 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, microSD card slot, USB port.

FeatureDescription
GPS ReceiverHigh-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS with HotFix® satellite prediction
Display4-inch dual-orientation (portrait/landscape) color touchscreen
Preloaded MapsTOPO U.S. 100K with terrain contours, trails, and points of interest
Camera5-megapixel autofocus with geotagging capability
Compass & Altimeter3-axis electronic compass and barometric altimeter
Wireless ConnectivityANT+® and Bluetooth® for data sharing and sensor connectivity
BatteryRechargeable lithium-ion (user-replaceable) or AA batteries
DurabilityIPX7 waterproof, rugged design
Geocaching SupportPaperless geocaching with GPX file support
Power ButtonTurns device on/off and controls backlight

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Install batteries or charge device.

  1. Install batteries: Open battery compartment, insert rechargeable lithium-ion pack or 3 AA batteries (not included).
  2. Charge device: Connect USB cable to computer or approved power adapter.
  3. Attach mounting accessories: Use included clip or vehicle mount for secure placement.
  4. Power on device: Press and hold Power button.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on device; follow on-screen prompts.

  1. Select language: Choose preferred language from list.
  2. Configure GPS: Allow device to acquire satellite signals outdoors with clear sky view.
  3. Set preferences: Configure time, units (metric/imperial), and data sharing options.
  4. Calibrate sensors: Follow prompts to calibrate compass and altimeter.
  5. Register device: Optional registration via Garmin Express software.

CAUTION! Calibrate compass away from metal objects and magnetic sources for accuracy.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via touchscreen or physical buttons. Front: Power button, Camera button. Touchscreen: Tap icons for navigation.

Main Menu: Where To?, View Map, Compass, Camera, Geocaches, Setup.

Setup: System (language, display, power management), Map (orientation, detail), Routing (avoidances, calculation), Sensors (calibration), Bluetooth (on/off), Geocaching (log defaults). Display: Brightness, backlight timeout, color mode. Navigation: Lock on Road, Off-Road, Prompted. Tracks: Record, color, interval.

Connecting Devices

USB: For charging and data transfer. ANT+®: For heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor. Bluetooth®: For wireless data sharing.

  1. Turn on device and enable wireless mode (Bluetooth/ANT+).
  2. Pair devices: Follow on-screen prompts to detect and pair sensors.
  3. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to transfer tracks, waypoints, and maps.

Tip: Ensure devices are within 3 meters (10 feet) for reliable wireless connection.

Navigation & Mapping

Supports turn-by-turn navigation, off-road tracking, and route planning.

  1. Enter destination: Tap Where To? > Address, Points of Interest, or Coordinates.
  2. Follow route: Tap Go! for turn-by-turn guidance; map displays route and progress.
  3. Create waypoint: Tap and hold on map to mark location.
  4. Record track: Enable track recording in Setup > Tracks.
  5. View trip data: Access Trip Computer for speed, distance, elevation, etc.
  6. Switch maps: Install additional maps via microSD card or Garmin BaseCamp™.
  7. Use compass: Tap Compass for bearing and heading information.
  8. Save route: Save frequently used routes for quick access.

WARNING! Do not operate while driving. Pre-plan routes and use safe mounting.

Camera & Geotagging

Camera: Press Camera button to capture photos; geotagging automatically attaches coordinates. Geocaching: Download GPX files, navigate to caches, log finds electronically.

Care & Cleaning

Power off before cleaning. Use soft, slightly damp cloth; avoid solvents and abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not submerge while ports are open. Dry thoroughly before charging.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. For support, visit support.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support at 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No satellite signalLocation/obstructionMove outdoors with clear sky view; wait several minutes for acquisition.
Touchscreen unresponsiveScreen protector/dirtClean screen; remove aftermarket screen protector; restart device.
Poor battery lifeSettings/batteriesReduce backlight brightness; use recommended batteries; check power settings.
Camera not workingStorage/modeEnsure memory available; check camera mode is active; restart.
Wireless not connectingDistance/pairingEnsure devices are close; re-pair sensor; check wireless is enabled.

Reset: Setup > System > Reset > Reset Settings (or Master Reset if needed).

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

Garmin GPS Montana 650t Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025