Garmin GPSMAP 168 Sounder Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 168 Sounder is a combination GPS chartplotter and fishfinder designed for marine navigation and fishing. It features a high-resolution display, built-in worldwide basemap, dual-frequency sonar (50/200 kHz), external GPS antenna, NMEA 0183 interface, trackplotting, waypoint management, and alarm functions. 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. Using GPS & Sonar 8. Navigation Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-resolution LCD display, External GPS antenna, Transducer, Power/data cable, NMEA 0183 interface, Water-resistant case.

Feature	Description
GPS Receiver	12-channel parallel for accurate positioning
Sonar	Dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) for depth and fish finding
Display	High-resolution, sunlight-readable LCD
Basemap	Built-in worldwide chart with coastlines
Waypoints	Store up to 3000 with names and symbols
Tracks	Record and review boat tracks
NMEA 0183	Interface for connecting to other marine electronics
Alarms	Anchor drag, arrival, off-course, and depth alarms
Power Input	10-40 VDC, typical 12 VDC marine system
Water Rating	IPX7 waterproof

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location on helm or console.

Mount display unit: Use bracket and hardware provided; ensure secure, vibration-free location.
Install GPS antenna: Mount externally with clear view of sky; connect to display via cable.
Install transducer: Mount on transom or through-hull; follow instructions for proper alignment.
Connect power: Attach red wire to positive (+), black wire to negative (-) on 12 VDC source.
Connect NMEA devices: Use NMEA 0183 wires to interface with autopilot or other instruments.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are waterproofed. Disconnect power before installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Acquire GPS signal: Place antenna with clear sky view; allow several minutes for first fix.
Set units: In SETUP menu, select units (nautical miles, feet/fathoms, °C/°F).
Calibrate compass: If equipped, follow on-screen instructions.
Set alarms: Configure depth, anchor drag, and arrival alarms as needed.
Adjust sonar: Set frequency, sensitivity, and range for local conditions.

CAUTION! Ensure secure mounting to prevent damage from vibration or impact.

Specifications

Display: High-resolution LCD, sunlight readable.
GPS: 12-channel parallel, WAAS enabled.
Sonar: Dual-frequency 50/200 kHz, depth to 3000 ft (915 m).
Waypoints: 3000 with names and symbols.
Tracks: 10 saved tracks with up to 3000 points each.
Interface: NMEA 0183 input/output.
Power: 10-40 VDC, 1 A typical.
Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C.
Dimensions: Varies by model; consult unit label.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via PAGE, MENU, and cursor keys. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, MENU, cursor keys (UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT), ENTER, EXIT.

Display Pages: GPS, Map, Sonar, Highway, Data.

GPS Setup: Position format (lat/lon), map datum (WGS 84), north reference. Sonar Setup: Frequency, sensitivity, range, noise rejection, surface clarity. System Setup: Units, time, backlight, contrast, alarms. Navigation Setup: Route planning, waypoint management, track settings.

Connecting Devices

GPS antenna: External via cable. Transducer: Connects to sonar port. NMEA 0183: Connect to other instruments (autopilot, VHF). Power: 12 VDC source.

Turn off power before making connections.
Use waterproof connectors for all external wiring.
Connect NMEA wires per diagram in manual.
Select NMEA sentences in setup menu if needed.

Tip: Route cables away from engine interference and secure with ties.

Using GPS & Sonar

Supports simultaneous GPS navigation and sonar operation.

View GPS: Press PAGE to cycle to GPS page for position, speed, heading.
View Map: Press PAGE to Map page; see boat position on basemap.
View Sonar: Press PAGE to Sonar page; adjust settings for depth/fish detection.
Mark waypoint: Press ENTER at location; name and save.
Navigate to waypoint: Select waypoint, choose GOTO.
Trackplot: Enable track recording to log path.
Sonar features: Adjust frequency (50 kHz for deep water, 200 kHz for detail), use zoom for bottom detail.

WARNING! Do not rely solely on GPS for navigation; use official charts and prudent seamanship.

Navigation Features

Waypoints: Create, edit, delete, organize into routes. Routes: Plan multi-leg routes for trip navigation. Tracks: Record and backtrack along path. Alarms: Set for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, depth, and clock.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft, damp cloth with mild detergent; rinse with fresh water. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Ensure connectors are dry before reconnecting power. Store in dry place when not in use.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. CE compliant. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support. Contains technology protected by U.S. and international patents.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection	Check fuse, wiring, and voltage at unit.
No GPS signal	Antenna view	Ensure clear sky view; check antenna cable.
No sonar reading	Transducer	Check transducer connection and mounting; adjust sensitivity.
Inaccurate position	GPS signal	Allow time for acquisition; ensure WAAS enabled.
Display issues	Settings/power	Adjust contrast/backlight; check power voltage.
NMEA not working	Wiring/settings	Verify wiring and NMEA sentence output selection.

Reset: Press and hold PAGE + POWER during startup for system reset (if supported).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support; www.garmin.com