Garmin GPSMAP 172C Marine GPS Chartplotter Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 172C is a 7-inch color marine GPS chartplotter with a high-resolution TFT display, built-in worldwide basemap, waterproof design (IPX7), and support for BlueChart g2 and Fishing Charts. It features a built-in GPS receiver, NMEA 0183 interface, external antenna capability, waypoint management, track plotting, MOB (Man Overboard) function, and various navigation screens. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 7-inch TFT color display, Power/Data cable, GPS antenna, Mounting bracket, External antenna port, NMEA 0183 interface, SD card slot for charts.

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a mounting location with clear view of sky and operator.

1. Mount bracket: Use provided hardware to secure bracket to dash or console.
2. Connect power/data cable: Route cable to power source (10-40 VDC). Red to positive, black to negative.
3. Connect GPS antenna: Attach to external antenna port if using external antenna; internal antenna is built-in.
4. Connect NMEA devices: Wire NMEA 0183 leads to compatible devices (e.g., autopilot, sounder).
5. Secure unit: Slide chartplotter onto bracket and tighten locking knob.

WARNING! Ensure power is off during installation. Use appropriate marine-grade wiring and fuses. Route cables away from moving parts and heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Apply power; follow initial prompts.

1. Acquire GPS signal: Place unit with clear sky view; may take several minutes first time.
2. Set language: Use MENU > Setup > System > Language.
3. Set units: Navigate to MENU > Setup > Units; select nautical, statute, or metric.
4. Set time: Configure time zone, format (12/24 hr), and daylight saving.
5. Load charts: Insert BlueChart g2 SD card into slot; unit auto-detects charts.
6. Calibrate compass (if interfaced): Follow on-screen prompts.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving boat. Complete initial setup at dock or anchorage.

Specifications

• Display Size: 7 inches diagonal, TFT color.
• Display Resolution: 480 x 640 pixels, 256 colors.
• GPS: 12 parallel channel, WAAS/EGNOS capable.
• Waypoints: 3000.
• Routes: 50 reversible.
• Tracks: 10 saved, 10,000 points each.
• Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
• Power: 10-40 VDC, 1.5A 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: 20.3 x 16.5 x 7.6 cm (8.0" x 6.5" x 3.0").
• Weight: 1.13 kg (2.5 lbs).

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. Main pages: Map, Compass, Highway, Active Route, Data, Sonar (if interfaced).

Map Setup: Detail, Orientation (North Up, Course Up, Head Up), Points of Interest, Tracks. Navigation Setup: Waypoint creation, Route planning, Arrival alarms, Off-course alarms. System Setup: Language, Units, Time, Backlight, Contrast, NMEA settings, System Info.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to autopilot, sounder, or other NMEA devices. External Antenna: MCX connector for improved GPS reception. SD Card: For loading detailed charts.

1. Turn off power before making connections.
2. Refer to wiring diagram for NMEA 0183 connections (Tx, Rx, Ground).
3. Insert SD card with charts into slot until it clicks.
4. Power on; unit will recognize connected devices and chart data.

Tip: Use shielded cable for NMEA connections and keep runs as short as possible to reduce interference.

Navigation & Chartplotting

Primary navigation screens provide real-time position, course, and speed.

1. Map Page: Shows vessel position on chart. Use ZOOM to change scale.
2. Compass Page: Displays heading and course to next waypoint.
3. Highway Page: Provides highway-style view to destination.
4. Active Route Page: Lists waypoints in current route.
5. Data Page: Configurable data fields (Speed, Course, ETA, etc.).
6. Go To: Press ENTER on map cursor or waypoint, select "Go To".
7. MOB (Man Overboard): Press and hold PAGE key to mark MOB position and begin navigation back.
8. Track Plotting: Tracks are recorded automatically; can be saved and reversed for navigation.

WARNING! Always use charts appropriate for your area. GPS is an aid to navigation; do not rely solely on it.

Waypoints & Routes

Create and manage waypoints and routes for trip planning.

1. Create Waypoint: Move cursor to location, press ENTER, select "Save as Waypoint".
2. Edit Waypoint: MENU > Waypoints > select waypoint > Edit (name, symbol, position).
3. Create Route: MENU > Routes > New Route > Add points from map or waypoint list.
4. Navigate Route: Select route, choose "Activate Route".
5. Reverse Route: Edit route, select "Reverse".
6. Delete Waypoint/Route: Select item, choose "Delete".

Tip: Use descriptive waypoint names (e.g., "Buoy14", "FishSpot1") for easy identification.

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 when not in use.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. NMEA 0183: Compliant with NMEA 0183 standard for marine data communication. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin, GPSMAP, and BlueChart are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Press and hold POWER + PAGE + QUIT while powering on to perform master reset (erases all user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or visit www.garmin.com for service locations.