Garmin GPS Oregon 550 Manual

The Garmin Oregon 550 is a rugged, touchscreen handheld GPS device featuring a 3-inch sunlight-readable color display, 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera with geotagging capability, paperless geocaching support, high-sensitivity GPS receiver, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, wireless data sharing, microSD card slot, and waterproof construction (IPX7). It is powered by two AA batteries and is designed for outdoor navigation, hiking, geocaching, and mapping. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Touchscreen display, Power button, Camera shutter button, microSD card slot, USB port, Battery compartment, Strap attachment point.

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all components are present.

1. Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert two AA batteries observing polarity.
2. Install microSD card (optional): Insert card into slot until it clicks.
3. Attach wrist strap: Thread through attachment point.
4. Charge or use batteries: For first use, ensure batteries are fully charged or new.

WARNING! Use only recommended batteries. Do not expose device to extreme temperatures during installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on device; follow on-screen prompts.

1. Acquire satellite signal: Go outdoors with clear sky view; wait for GPS fix.
2. Set language: In SETUP menu, select preferred language (default ENGLISH).
3. Calibrate compass: Follow on-screen instructions to calibrate electronic compass.
4. Set time and date: Configure time zone and format.
5. Configure geocaching: Enable paperless geocaching if desired.

CAUTION! Calibrate compass away from magnetic interference (metal objects, vehicles).

Specifications

• Display: 3-inch diagonal, 240 x 400 pixels, sunlight-readable color TFT.
• GPS Receiver: High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled, HotFix satellite prediction.
• Camera: 3.2 MP autofocus, geotagging, LED flash.
• Sensors: Barometric altimeter, 3-axis electronic compass.
• Wireless: ANT+ technology for data sharing.
• Memory: 850 MB internal, microSD card slot.
• Interface: USB 2.0, touchscreen.
• Battery: Two AA batteries (NiMH or lithium recommended), up to 16 hours.
• Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 4.5" x 1.4" (5.8 x 11.4 x 3.5 cm).
• Weight: 6.8 oz (192.8 g) with batteries.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via touchscreen. Physical buttons: POWER, QUIT/MARK, PAGE, Camera shutter.

Touchscreen: Tap icons and menus for navigation. Use stylus or finger (glove-friendly).

Main Menu: Map, Compass, Elevation Plot, Camera, Geocaches, Setup, Track Manager, Waypoint Manager. Setup: System (language, display, time), Location (format, coordinates), Routing, Geocaching, Sensors (calibration), Marine, Tracks, Profiles. Display: Backlight timeout, brightness, color theme. Sound: Key tones, alarms. Units: Distance, elevation, depth, temperature, pressure.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect to computer for data transfer and charging (with optional adapter). ANT+: Wireless sharing with compatible devices.

1. Turn off device before connecting cables.
2. Use provided USB cable to connect to computer.
3. For wireless transfer, enable ANT+ in SETUP > SYSTEM.

Tip: Ensure device drivers are installed on computer for data transfer.

Using GPS Navigation

Supports waypoints, tracks, routes, and map navigation.

1. View map: Tap Map icon; pan and zoom with touchscreen.
2. Mark waypoint: Press QUIT/MARK button; edit details if needed.
3. Navigate to waypoint: Select waypoint from list, choose GO.
4. Create route: In Route Planner, add waypoints in sequence.
5. Record track: Enable track recording in Track Manager.
6. Use compass: Tap Compass icon; hold level for bearing.
7. View elevation plot: Tap Elevation Plot for profile of track.
8. Switch profiles: Change between Recreational, Geocaching, Marine, etc.

WARNING! GPS accuracy can be affected by terrain, weather, and obstructions. Always carry a paper map as backup.

Camera & Geotagging

Camera: Press shutter button to capture photo; view in Camera album. Geotagging: Automatically tags photos with location coordinates. Geocaching: Download geocaches via USB; view details, log finds, and mark as found.

Care & Cleaning

Turn off and remove batteries before cleaning. Use soft, damp cloth; do not use solvents or abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not submerge beyond IPX7 rating. Avoid extreme heat or prolonged sunlight exposure.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions that it does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support. Software updates available via Garmin Express.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Hold POWER button for 10 seconds to force restart.

Service: Contact Garmin Support or visit authorized service center.