Garmin GPSMAP 162 Owner's Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 162 is a marine-grade GPS chartplotter featuring a high-resolution 5-inch grayscale display, built-in worldwide basemap, waterproof construction (IPX7), NMEA 0183 interface for connecting to marine instruments, external antenna capability, and support for Garmin BlueChart and MapSource cartography. It provides detailed navigation, waypoint management, route planning, and track logging for marine use. 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 & Chartplotting 8. Waypoints & Routes 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 5-inch FSTN grayscale LCD display, Waterproof case, External antenna port, NMEA 0183 data port, Power/data cable, Mounting bracket.

Feature	Description
Display	5-inch FSTN grayscale, 320 x 240 pixels, sunlight readable
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 (submersible 1 meter for 30 minutes)
GPS Receiver	12 parallel channel, WAAS enabled
Basemap	Built-in worldwide basemap with marine navigation aids
Chart Compatibility	Garmin BlueChart, MapSource detailed maps
Memory	Accepts data cards for additional map storage
NMEA 0183	Interface for connecting to autopilots, sounders, instruments
Waypoints	Stores up to 3000 waypoints with names and symbols
Routes	Up to 50 reversible routes with 250 points each
Tracks	10,000 point automatic track log; 10 saved tracks

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a suitable mounting location on vessel.

Mount bracket: Use provided hardware to secure bracket to a flat, stable surface.
Connect power: Route power/data cable to 12-24V DC marine power source. Connect red to positive, black to negative.
Connect antenna: Attach external GPS antenna cable to antenna port if using external antenna.
Connect NMEA devices: Wire NMEA 0183 leads to compatible instruments (autopilot, sounder).
Secure unit: Snap GPSMAP 162 onto mounted bracket.

WARNING! Ensure all electrical connections are properly insulated and protected from moisture. Disconnect power before making connections.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial prompts.

Acquire GPS signal: Place unit in open sky view; allow several minutes for initial satellite acquisition.
Set language: In MAIN MENU > SETUP > SYSTEM, select language (default ENGLISH).
Set units: Configure nautical/statute miles, feet/fathoms/meters, magnetic/true north.
Set time: Configure time zone, format (12/24 hour), and daylight saving.
Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions.
Load maps: Insert optional Garmin data card with detailed charts.

CAUTION! For initial satellite fix, ensure clear view of sky away from obstructions.

Specifications

Display Size: 5 inches diagonal.
Display Type: FSTN grayscale LCD, 320 x 240 pixels.
GPS Receiver: 12 parallel channel, WAAS/EGNOS capable.
Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
Interface: NMEA 0183 input/output, RS-232 data port.
Power: 12-24V DC, 1 amp max.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F).
Storage Temp: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F).
Dimensions: 6.0" W x 4.2" H x 2.6" D (152 x 107 x 66 mm).
Weight: 1.2 lb (0.54 kg).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER key, PAGE key, ROCKER key (up/down/left/right/ENTER), QUIT key, ZOOM IN/OUT keys.

On-Screen Menus: Access via PAGE or MENU keys. Main pages: MAP, NAVIGATION, HIGHWAY, ACTIVE ROUTE, MENU.

System Setup: Language, Units, Time, Alarms, NMEA Settings, System Information. Navigation Setup: Route Preferences, Off Course Alarm, Arrival Alarm, Proximity Waypoints. Map Setup: Orientation (North Up, Course Up, Track Up), Detail Level, Points of Interest, Tracks Display.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to autopilot, depth sounder, wind instruments, VHF radio for DSC. External Antenna: For improved signal in enclosed spaces.

Turn off power to all devices before connecting.
Refer to wiring diagram for NMEA 0183 connections (Tx, Rx, Ground).
Ensure proper polarity for power connections.
Use marine-grade heat-shrink connectors for all splices.

Tip: Keep NMEA data cables away from power cables to avoid interference.

Navigation & Chartplotting

Basic navigation functions and chart display.

View Map: Press PAGE to cycle to MAP page. Use ZOOM keys to adjust scale.
Pan Map: Use ROCKER key to move cursor around map. Press ENTER to mark cursor location as waypoint.
Go To: From any page, highlight waypoint or location and select GOTO to start navigation.
Follow Route: Select route from route list and select NAVIGATE.
Data Fields: Customize data displayed on map page (Speed, Course, Distance, ETA, etc.).
Tracks: View active track or saved tracks on map. Clear track log as needed.

WARNING! Always use up-to-date nautical charts and practice safe navigation. This device is an aid to navigation only.

Waypoints & Routes

Creating and managing waypoints and routes.

Mark Waypoint: Press and hold ENTER at current location or at cursor position. Enter name and symbol.
Edit Waypoint: MENU > WAYPOINTS > select waypoint > EDIT.
Create Route: MENU > ROUTES > NEW. Add points from waypoint list or map cursor.
Navigate Route: Select route from list > NAVIGATE. Use ACTIVE ROUTE page to view leg information.
Reverse Route: Edit route and select REVERSE.
Proximity Waypoints: Set alarm radius around specific waypoints for anchorage or hazard alerts.

Care & Maintenance

Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap to clean display and case. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners. Ensure unit is powered off and disconnected before cleaning. Store in a cool, dry place.

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. NMEA Registered: Meets NMEA 0183 standard for marine data interfacing. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For the latest software updates and product support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support at 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No Power	Blown fuse, loose connection	Check fuse in power cable; verify 12-24V DC at connector; ensure connections are tight.
Poor GPS Reception	Obstructed view, antenna issue	Relocate to open area; check antenna connection; ensure external antenna is powered (if applicable).
No NMEA Data	Incorrect wiring, wrong baud rate	Verify NMEA wiring (Tx/Rx); check device baud rate matches GPSMAP 162 setting (default 4800).
Display is dim/unreadable	Contrast/brightness setting, backlight	Adjust contrast in SYSTEM setup; check backlight setting (MENU > SETUP > DISPLAY).
Unit freezes or locks up	Software issue	Perform soft reset (disconnect power for 30 seconds). If persistent, consider master reset (erases user data).
Maps not displaying	Data card issue, unsupported format	Ensure data card is fully inserted; verify card contains compatible Garmin chart format (.img).

Reset: MENU > SETUP > SYSTEM > RESTORE DEFAULTS (erases user settings).

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