Garmin GPSMAP 478 Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 478 is a rugged, waterproof marine GPS chartplotter with a 4-inch color display, preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts, built-in US basemap, XM satellite weather and radio capability (subscription required), high-sensitivity GPS receiver, and support for NMEA 0183 and 2000 connectivity. It features a sunlight-readable screen, intuitive interface, waypoint management, track logging, and trip planning tools. 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. Navigating with GPS 8. Chartplotter Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 4-inch color TFT display, Power/Data cable, Mounting bracket, Protective cover, Remote control (optional), USB cable for data transfer.

Feature	Description
Display	4-inch diagonal, 320 x 480 pixels, sunlight-readable, waterproof
Charts	Preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts, US basemap
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled
XM Capability	XM satellite weather and radio (with optional antenna and subscription)
Connectivity	NMEA 0183/2000, USB, audio output
Power	10–35 V DC
Waypoints	3000 with name and symbol
Tracks	10,000 points, 20 saved tracks
Routes	50 reversible routes with up to 250 waypoints each
Waterproof Rating	IPX7

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location on vessel.

Mount bracket: Select flat surface near helm; secure with screws.
Connect power/data cable: Route cable to power source (10–35 V DC) and NMEA devices if used.
Install unit: Slide GPSMAP 478 onto bracket; tighten locking knob.
Connect optional XM antenna: For XM weather/radio, connect antenna to XM port.
Power on: Connect to vessel's DC power; unit will start.

WARNING! Ensure power is off during installation. Route cables away from moving parts and heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow on-screen prompts.

Acquire GPS signal: Place unit in open sky view; wait for satellite acquisition.
Set language: In System settings, select ENGLISH (default).
Configure units: Set nautical/miles, depth (feet/fathoms/meters), temperature.
Calibrate compass (if applicable): Follow on-screen instructions.
Set time: Choose automatic (GPS) or manual time zone.
Load charts: Preloaded charts are ready; additional charts via SD card.

CAUTION! Do not obstruct GPS antenna; ensure clear view of sky for best reception.

Specifications

Display: 4-inch TFT, 320 x 480 pixels, 256 colors.
GPS: High-sensitivity receiver, WAAS-enabled.
Charts: BlueChart g2 preloaded, supports detailed coastal charts.
XM: Weather and radio with subscription (antenna sold separately).
Memory: Internal memory for charts/waypoints; expandable via SD card.
Interface: NMEA 0183/2000, USB 2.0.
Power: 10–35 V DC, 1.5 A max.
Waterproof: IPX7 (submersible 1 meter for 30 minutes).
Operating Temp: -15° to 70°C (5° to 158°F).
Dimensions: 14.2 x 9.4 x 5.1 cm (5.6" x 3.7" x 2.0").

Controls and Settings

Access menus via PAGE and ROCKER keys. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ROCKER (up/down/enter), QUIT, ZOOM IN/OUT.

On-screen: Main pages (Map, Compass, Highway, Active Route, Waypoint, Tracks). Settings: System (language, units, time), Navigation (routing preferences), Chart (detail, appearance), Sound (alarms, volume), NMEA (input/output).

Map Display: Adjust orientation (North Up, Course Up, Track Up), detail level, zoom. Waypoints: Create, edit, navigate to. Routes: Plan, activate, reverse. Tracks: Record, save, navigate back.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to compatible devices (autopilot, sounder) via data cable. NMEA 2000: Use appropriate backbone cable. XM: Connect XM antenna to XM port. USB: Connect to computer for data transfer/updates.

Turn off power before connecting cables.
Match wires (NMEA: Tx/Rx, ground).
Configure NMEA sentences in Settings if needed.
For XM, activate subscription and ensure antenna has clear view.

Tip: Use marine-grade connectors and seal connections from moisture.

Navigating with GPS

Supports waypoint, route, and track navigation.

Go To Waypoint: Select waypoint from list, press GOTO.
Follow Route: Activate route from Route Planner; follow on-screen guidance.
Track Back: Navigate saved track in reverse.
Man Overboard (MOB): Press and hold PAGE to mark MOB location; navigate back.
Adjust course: Use compass or highway display for steering.
Set alarms: Anchor drag, arrival, off-course.
View trip data: Speed, distance, time to destination.

WARNING! GPS is an aid to navigation; always use updated charts and situational awareness.

Chartplotter Features

BlueChart g2: Detailed depth contours, harbors, marinas, nav aids. XM Weather: Real-time radar, forecasts, sea conditions (subscription). XM Radio: Music, news, sports (subscription). Chart Customization: Adjust detail, color, shading. Waypoint Management: Create via map cursor or coordinates. Route Planning: Drag-and-drop on chart. Track Logging: Record and save voyages.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use fresh water and mild soap; rinse with clean water. Dry with soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.

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

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with Part 15. Industry Canada ICES-003. CE Marked. Contains GPS technology subject to U.S. export controls. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection	Check fuse (2A); verify 10–35 V DC at cable; ensure connections secure.
Poor GPS signal	Obstruction	Move to open area; check for antenna damage; ensure clear view of sky.
Chart not displaying	Chart region/SD card	Verify chart is for correct region; reinsert SD card; check for corruption.
XM not working	Subscription/antenna	Confirm active subscription; check antenna connection; ensure clear view south.
NMEA data missing	Wiring/settings	Check NMEA wiring; verify baud rate (4800 default); enable correct sentences.
Screen unreadable	Brightness/contrast	Adjust display settings; clean screen; check for damage.

Reset: Hold POWER while powering on to reset settings (waypoints preserved).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.