Garmin GPSMAP 545 Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 545 is a 5-inch color chartplotter designed for marine navigation. It features a sunlight-readable display, built-in worldwide basemap, preloaded U.S. coastal charts, support for BlueChart g2 Vision cards, high-sensitivity GPS receiver, NMEA 0183/2000 connectivity, sonar capability (with optional transducer), and rugged, waterproof construction (IPX7). Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 5-inch color TFT display, Power/Data cable, Mounting hardware, Protective cover, Quick start manual.

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a mounting location with clear view and access.

1. Mounting: Use included bracket and hardware. Ensure surface is flat, clean, and sturdy.
2. Power Connection: Connect the red wire to positive (+) and black wire to negative (-) on boat's 10-32 V DC system. Use in-line fuse as recommended.
3. Antenna: GPS antenna is internal; ensure mounting location has clear view of sky.
4. Data Connections: Connect NMEA 0183 wires to compatible devices (autopilot, sounder) following wiring diagram.
5. Sonar Transducer: If using, connect transducer cable to appropriate port.

WARNING! Disconnect boat battery before making electrical connections. Ensure all connections are waterproofed.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

1. Language/Units: Select language (default ENGLISH) and navigation units (nautical miles, feet/fathoms).
2. GPS Initialization: Allow unit to acquire satellite signals. This may take several minutes first time.
3. Calibration: Calibrate compass (if applicable) and water speed sensor as prompted.
4. Chart Selection: Select active chart from built-in or inserted chart card.
5. System Settings: Configure display backlight, alarms, and system sounds.

CAUTION! Perform initial setup in an open area with clear view of the sky for best GPS reception.

Specifications

• Display Size: 5 inches diagonal.
• Display Resolution: 480 x 640 pixels VGA.
• GPS: High-sensitivity receiver, WAAS/EGNOS enabled.
• Chart Memory: Internal memory for basemap; microSD card slot for expansion.
• Waypoints/Routes/Tracks: 3000 waypoints, 50 routes, 10,000 track points.
• Interfaces: NMEA 0183 (38.4k baud), NMEA 2000, proprietary Garmin.
• Sonar Capability: Supports 50/77/200 kHz (model dependent).
• Power: 10-32 V DC, 1.5 A max.
• Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
• Operating Temp: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).

Controls and Settings

Access menus via PAGE, MENU, and rotary knob. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, MENU, ZOOM IN/OUT, MARK, ENTER, arrow keys.

Key Functions: PAGE cycles through display screens (Chart, Sonar, Compass, Highway). MENU accesses context-sensitive options. MARK creates a waypoint at current location.

Settings Menu: Navigation (Units, Alarms, Routing Preferences). Display (Backlight, Color Mode, Contrast). System (Language, NMEA Settings, System Information). Sonar (Frequency, Gain, Range). Chart (Detail, Presentation, Overlays).

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to autopilot, AIS, or other instruments. NMEA 2000: Connect to compatible network via appropriate cable. Sonar: Connect optional transducer.

1. Turn off all devices before connecting.
2. Refer to wiring diagrams for NMEA 0183 connections (Tx, Rx, Ground).
3. For NMEA 2000, ensure proper termination and power on the backbone.
4. Configure NMEA input/output sentences in System Settings menu.

Tip: Use marine-grade, tinned wire for all connections and protect with heat-shrink tubing.

Using Navigation Features

Create and follow routes, mark waypoints, view trip data.

1. Go To: Press MENU on chart screen, select "Go To", choose waypoint or cursor location.
2. Create Waypoint: Press MARK button or use menu at cursor location.
3. Create Route: Menu > Route > New Route. Add points using cursor or existing waypoints.
4. Follow Route: Select route from list and choose "Navigate".
5. Tracks: View track log, save, or clear tracks in Track Manager.
6. Data Fields: Customize data displayed on chart screen (Speed, Course, Distance, etc.).
7. Alarms: Set anchor drag, arrival, off-course, and depth alarms.

WARNING! Always use navigation aids as a supplement to, not a replacement for, prudent seamanship and official nautical charts.

Chartplotting & Sonar

Chart Operation: Use ZOOM keys or rotary knob. Pan by moving cursor. Change chart detail levels. View tide stations, marinas, and nav aids (with detailed charts).

Sonar Operation (if equipped): Access Sonar page. Adjust range, gain, and frequency for conditions. Use split-screen to view chart and sonar simultaneously. Interpret bottom contour and fish arches.

Care & Cleaning

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

CAUTION! Do not spray liquids directly on unit. Ensure connectors are dry before reconnecting power.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to condition that device does not cause harmful interference. Contains FCC ID: IPH-00209A. IC: 1792A-00209A. 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

Reset: System Settings > System Information > Master Reset (erases all user data).

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