Garmin GPSMAP 2108 Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 2108 is a high-performance marine chartplotter featuring an 8-inch color display, built-in worldwide basemap, preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts, sonar compatibility, NMEA 0183/2000 connectivity, waterproof design (IPX7), and intuitive touchscreen interface. 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 Basics 8. Chartplotter Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 8-inch sunlight-readable display, touchscreen interface, preloaded BlueChart g2 charts, internal GPS antenna, NMEA 2000 certified, sonar ready, microSD card slot.

Feature	Description
Display	8-inch diagonal, 800 x 600 pixel resolution, sunlight readable
Charts	Preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts with detailed coverage
GPS	High-sensitivity internal GPS receiver
Connectivity	NMEA 0183/NMEA 2000, Ethernet for radar/sonar
Sonar	Compatible with Garmin sonar modules (optional)
Waterproof	IPX7 rated (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Power	10-32 V DC input
Storage	microSD card slot for additional charts/data
Mounting	Flush mount or bracket mount options
Touchscreen	Intuitive capacitive touch interface

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location carefully.

Select mounting location: Ensure clear view of sky for GPS reception and operator access.
Mount unit: Use included bracket or flush mount kit following template.
Connect power: Route 10-32 V DC power cable to battery with appropriate fuse.
Connect accessories: Attach NMEA 0183/2000, sonar, radar, or other devices.
Secure cables: Use cable ties and ensure waterproof connections.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Language selection: Choose preferred language for menus.
Units setup: Select nautical miles/knots or statute miles/MPH.
GPS initialization: Allow unit to acquire satellite signals (may take several minutes).
Chart orientation: Set to North Up or Course Up.
Backlight adjustment: Configure display brightness for day/night use.
Network configuration: Set up NMEA 2000 network if applicable.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation around unit. Do not block cooling vents.

Specifications

Display Size: 8 inches diagonal.
Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels, VGA.
GPS Receiver: High-sensitivity, WAAS enabled.
Charts: Preloaded BlueChart g2, supports BlueChart g2 Vision.
Waypoints/Routes: 3000 waypoints, 100 routes with 250 points each.
Tracks: 10,000 points, 50 saved tracks.
Power Input: 10-32 V DC, 2.5 A max.
Waterproof Rating: IPX7.
Operating Temperature: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).
Dimensions: 222 x 177 x 64 mm (8.7" x 7.0" x 2.5").

Controls and Settings

Primary control via touchscreen. Physical buttons: POWER, PAGE, VOLUME, BACKLIGHT.

Touchscreen Menus: Main Menu provides access to all functions: Chart, Sonar, Waypoints, Routes, Tracks, Settings.

Chart Settings: Detail level, chart appearance, depth contours, spot soundings. Navigation Settings: Arrival alarm, off-course alarm, anchor alarm. System Settings: Units, time format, language, backlight, system information. Sonar Settings: Frequency, range, sensitivity, color scheme. Network Settings: NMEA 2000 device list, data sources.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to compatible instruments. NMEA 2000: Connect to certified network. Sonar: Connect compatible Garmin sonar module. Radar: Connect Garmin radar via Ethernet.

Turn off power before making connections.
Use appropriate cables and connectors for each device type.
Ensure waterproof seals are properly seated.
Configure data sources in Network menu.

Tip: Use NMEA 2000 for simplified connectivity between multiple marine devices.

Navigation Basics

Basic navigation functions and operations.

Viewing chart: Touch chart to pan, pinch to zoom.
Creating waypoint: Touch and hold location, select "Create Waypoint".
Creating route: Select Route Planning, touch chart to add points.
Following route: Select route, choose "Navigate".
Man overboard: Press and hold PAGE button for MOB function.
Measuring distance: Use Measure tool in Tools menu.
Viewing tide/current data: Available on compatible charts.
Setting alarms: Configure in Navigation Settings.

WARNING! Always verify chart data and use appropriate navigation practices.

Chartplotter Features

Advanced features for enhanced navigation.

Chart Overlays: Radar, sonar, AIS, weather.
Auto Guidance: Suggests routes based on vessel parameters.
Fishing Features: Tides, solunars, built-in celestial tables.
AIS Integration: Display AIS targets with collision avoidance.
Radar Overlay: Superimpose radar image on chart.
Sonar Recording: Record and replay sonar data.
Quickdraw Contours: Create custom depth contours.
BlueChart g2 Vision: 3D view, aerial photos, auto guidance.

Care & Maintenance

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use fresh water and mild soap for exterior. Avoid harsh chemicals.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners. Ensure unit is dry before reconnecting power.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. NMEA 2000 certified. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. BlueChart and GPSMAP are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection	Check fuse, verify 10-32 V DC at power cable, ensure connections secure.
Poor GPS reception	Obstruction	Ensure clear view of sky, check for metal obstructions, verify antenna connection.
Touchscreen not responding	Calibration/screen protector	Recalibrate touchscreen, remove screen protector if installed, clean screen.
No chart data	Chart card/region	Ensure chart card properly inserted, verify chart coverage for current region.
No NMEA data	Connection/settings	Check cable connections, verify NMEA settings, ensure correct baud rate.
Display dim	Backlight settings	Adjust backlight brightness, check power saving settings.
Unit freezing	Software	Perform soft reset, update software to latest version.

Reset: Hold POWER button for 10 seconds for soft reset.

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.