Garmin GPSMAP 440s Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 440s is a 4-inch color chartplotter/sonar combo designed for marine navigation. It features a sunlight-readable display, built-in worldwide basemap, BlueChart g2 preloaded coastal charts, a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, and a dual-frequency 50/200 kHz sonar transducer. It supports NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connectivity, waypoint management, routes, tracks, and fishfinding capabilities. 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 & Sonar Operation 8. Chartplotting Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 4-inch QVGA color display, GPS antenna, Sonar transducer, Power/data cable, Mounting hardware.

FeatureDescription
Display4-inch diagonal, 320 x 240 pixels, sunlight-readable, color TFT
GPS ReceiverHigh-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled
ChartsBuilt-in worldwide basemap, preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts
SonarDual-frequency (50/200 kHz), depth capability to 2500 ft (762 m)
Waypoints/Routes3000 waypoints, 50 routes with up to 250 points each
Tracks10,000 track points, 50 saved tracks
ConnectivityNMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 compatible
Power Input10–32 Vdc
Water RatingIPX7 (submersible 1 meter for 30 minutes)
ControlsFront-panel buttons, rotary knob

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Select a suitable mounting location with clear view of sky for GPS reception.

  1. Mount the unit: Use included bracket to mount on dash or console. Ensure secure, vibration-free installation.
  2. Connect power: Route power/data cable to 10–32 Vdc source. Connect red wire to positive (+), black wire to negative (-).
  3. Install transducer: Mount transducer on transom or through-hull as per instructions for optimal sonar performance.
  4. Connect transducer: Plug transducer cable into appropriate port on back of unit.
  5. Connect optional devices: Use NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 cables to connect to autopilot, VHF radio, etc.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are waterproofed. Disconnect power before making connections. Route cables away from moving parts and heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Apply power to the unit; follow initial on-screen prompts.

  1. Acquire GPS signal: Place unit in open sky view; allow several minutes for initial satellite acquisition.
  2. Set language: In Main Menu > System > Language, select preferred language.
  3. Configure units: Set distance, speed, depth, and temperature units (nautical, statute, metric).
  4. Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions.
  5. Set time: Choose automatic GPS time or set manually, and select time zone.
  6. Adjust display: Set backlight, contrast, and color scheme for visibility.

CAUTION! Ensure proper power polarity to avoid damage. Verify transducer installation before operating sonar.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via front-panel buttons and rotary knob. Main buttons: POWER, PAGE, MENU, ENTER/MARK, ZOOM IN/OUT, ARROW keys.

Key Functions: POWER turns unit on/off. PAGE cycles through display pages (Chart, Sonar, Compass, Highway, etc.). MENU accesses context-sensitive options. ENTER/MARK marks waypoint or selects option. Rotary knob adjusts values or moves cursor.

Settings Menus: Main Menu provides access to System, Navigation, Sonar, Communications, and Display settings. Configure alarms, map orientation, chart details, sonar sensitivity, and NMEA output.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to compatible devices (e.g., VHF radio, autopilot) using dedicated TX/RX wires. NMEA 2000: Connect to certified NMEA 2000 network using appropriate cable and tee.

  1. Turn off power to all devices before connecting.
  2. Identify NMEA 0183 ports on unit (labeled NMEA IN/OUT).
  3. Connect transmit (TX) wire from unit to receive (RX) wire of external device.
  4. Connect receive (RX) wire from unit to transmit (TX) wire of external device.
  5. For NMEA 2000, connect power cable to network and ensure proper termination.
  6. Configure NMEA sentences in Communications menu as required by connected devices.

Tip: Use marine-grade connectors and seal connections to prevent corrosion.

Navigation & Sonar Operation

Supports GPS navigation, chartplotting, and fishfinding.

  1. View Chart Page: Displays your vessel's position on the map. Use ZOOM to adjust scale.
  2. Create Waypoint: Press ENTER/MARK to save current location. Edit name/symbol via menu.
  3. Create Route: Menu > Route > New Route. Add waypoints by moving cursor and pressing ENTER.
  4. Navigate to Waypoint/Route: Select waypoint or route, choose "Go To". Follow on-screen guidance.
  5. Sonar Page: Displays depth, bottom contour, and fish arches. Adjust gain, frequency, and range via Sonar menu.
  6. Track Recording: Automatically records track log. Save track via Tracks menu.
  7. Alarms: Set anchor drag, arrival, off-course, and depth alarms in Navigation menu.

WARNING! Use navigation data as an aid only. Always maintain proper lookout and use official charts. Sonar readings can be affected by water conditions and boat speed.

Chartplotting Features

BlueChart g2 Compatibility: Displays detailed coastal charts with depth contours, navaids, marinas, and points of interest. Chart Details: Adjust level of map detail. Map Orientation: Choose North Up, Course Up, or Head Up. Tides & Currents: View tide station data if supported by chart. Man Overboard (MOB): Press and hold ENTER/MARK to instantly mark MOB location and begin navigation back to point.

Care & Maintenance

Use a soft, damp cloth with mild detergent to clean display and casing. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use. Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Ensure unit is powered off and disconnected before cleaning. Do not spray water directly onto connectors. 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. Industry Canada (IC): Complies with RSS-210. Contains transmitter module FCC ID: IPH-00217. 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

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBlown fuse, loose connection, incorrect voltageCheck fuse (3 A); verify secure connections; confirm power source is 10–32 Vdc.
No GPS signalObstructed view, poor satellite geometryMove to open area; ensure no metal obstructions; wait several minutes.
No sonar readingTransducer not connected, air bubbles, incorrect settingsCheck transducer connection; ensure transducer face is submerged and clean; adjust sonar gain/frequency.
Display is dimBacklight setting, bright sunlightIncrease backlight level in Display settings; use sun shade if available.
Waypoint not savedMemory full, user errorDelete unused waypoints; ensure ENTER/MARK is pressed correctly.
NMEA devices not communicatingIncorrect wiring, wrong NMEA sentencesVerify wiring per manual; ensure correct NMEA sentences are enabled in Communications menu.

Reset: System > Reset > Reset All Settings (Note: This erases all user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or visit www.garmin.com for warranty and repair information.

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