Garmin GPSMAP 440s Owners Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 440s is a high-performance marine chartplotter featuring a 4-inch color display, preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts, built-in GPS receiver, sonar capability (when connected to a compatible transducer), NMEA 0183 interface for connecting to autopilots and other marine instruments, waterproof design (IPX7), and intuitive keypad or optional remote control operation. 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 Navigation Features 8. Sonar Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 4-inch color TFT display, Keypad, Power/data cable, Transducer cable port, NMEA 0183 interface ports, SD card slot.

FeatureDescription
Display4-inch diagonal, 320 x 480 pixels, color TFT with backlight
GPS ReceiverBuilt-in high-sensitivity receiver
ChartsPreloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts
SonarSupports 50/77/200 kHz frequencies (transducer required)
Waterproof RatingIPX7 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Power Input10–32 Vdc
Data InterfaceNMEA 0183 input/output
Memory ExpansionSD card slot for additional charts and data
POWER KeyTurns unit on/off
PAGES KeyCycles through main display pages (Chart, Sonar, Highway, etc.)

Installation

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

  1. Mount the bracket: Use provided hardware to securely mount the bracket to a flat surface.
  2. Connect power/data cable: Route cable to power source (10–32 Vdc) and connect red to positive, black to negative.
  3. Connect transducer (optional): Plug transducer cable into the sonar port if using fishfinder features.
  4. Connect NMEA devices (optional): Wire NMEA 0183 leads to compatible autopilot or instruments.
  5. Snap unit onto bracket and secure with locking knob.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are waterproofed and secure. Route cables away from moving parts and heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

  1. Acquire GPS signal: Place unit in open sky view; wait for "GPS Ready" message.
  2. Set language: In System Setup menu, select ENGLISH (default).
  3. Set units: Configure nautical/miles, feet/fathoms, etc., to preference.
  4. Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions.
  5. Set chart preferences: Adjust detail, orientation (North Up/Course Up).

CAUTION! Do not power on before connections are complete. Ensure correct voltage to prevent damage.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via MENU key. Front Keypad: POWER, PAGES, MENU, ROCKER (up/down/left/right/ENTER), ZIN/ZOUT, MARK.

Main Pages: Chart, Sonar, Highway, Compass, Active Route, Data.

Chart Settings: Detail, Orientation, Tracks, Waypoints. Sonar Settings: Frequency, Range, Gain, Alarms. System Setup: Units, Language, Time, Backlight, NMEA Settings. Navigation: Create and follow routes, mark waypoints, view tide/current data (where available).

Connecting Devices

Power: 10–32 Vdc via power/data cable. NMEA 0183: Connect to autopilot, AIS, or other instruments. Transducer: For sonar functionality. SD Card: For additional maps and data transfer.

  1. Turn off power before making connections.
  2. Use appropriate gauge wire for power connections; fuse the positive lead.
  3. Follow NMEA wiring diagram in manual for proper transmit/receive connections.
  4. Ensure transducer cable is securely connected and routed without sharp bends.

Tip: Apply dielectric grease to all external connections to prevent corrosion.

Using Navigation Features

Supports waypoints, routes, tracks, and chartplotting.

  1. View Chart: Press PAGES to select Chart page.
  2. Mark Waypoint: Press MARK at current location or move cursor and press ENTER.
  3. Create Route: Menu > Route > New Route, add waypoints from list or chart.
  4. Navigate: Select a waypoint or route and choose "Go To".
  5. View Data: Press PAGES to cycle to Data pages for Speed, Course, ETA, etc.
  6. Adjust Zoom: Use ZIN and ZOUT keys on chart page.
  7. Set Alarms: Menu > Alarms for Anchor Drag, Arrival, Off Course.
  8. Save Track: Menu > Tracks to record and save path.

WARNING! Always use navigation as an aid. Do not rely solely on GPS for navigation.

Sonar Features

When a compatible transducer is connected, access Sonar page.

Features: Adjustable frequency, range, gain, and scroll speed. Display modes: Full screen, split screen (chart/sonar). Fish symbols: Enable/disable. Depth and temperature readouts. Alarms: Set for shallow/deep water and fish.

Care & Maintenance

Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap to clean display and case. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Ensure unit is powered off before cleaning. Do not submerge 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. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. BlueChart and GPSMAP are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit will not power onPower connection/fuseCheck voltage at terminals; verify fuse is intact; ensure connections are secure and correct polarity.
No GPS signalObstruction/antennaMove to open sky view; ensure no metal obstructions above unit; check cable connections.
No depth reading (sonar)Transducer/connectionsEnsure transducer is submerged and properly connected; check for air bubbles or fouling on transducer face.
Chart not displayingSD card/dataEnsure SD card is properly inserted; verify card contains compatible chart data.
NMEA devices not communicatingWiring/baud rateVerify wiring matches NMEA diagram; check that baud rate in setup matches connected device.

Reset: Hold PAGE and POWER keys simultaneously for 10 seconds to perform soft reset (does not erase user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or visit www.garmin.com/support.

Garmin GPSMAP 440s Owners Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025