Garmin GPSMAP 800 Series Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 800 Series is a high-performance marine chartplotter featuring a sunlight-readable touchscreen display, preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts, built-in GPS/GLONASS receiver, support for Garmin radar, sonar, and autopilot systems, NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity, internal memory for additional maps, and rugged, waterproof construction (IPX7). 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 & Chartplotting 8. Sonar & Radar Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Touchscreen Display, Power/Data Cable, Mounting Hardware, Protective Cover, Internal GPS/GLONASS Antenna, SD Card Slot, NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 Ports.

Feature	Description
Sunlight-Readable Display	High-brightness, capacitive touchscreen for clear viewing in direct sunlight
Preloaded BlueChart g2	Detailed coastal charts with depth contours, harbors, and navigation aids
Built-in GPS/GLONASS	Dual-satellite system for fast, accurate positioning
NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183	Connectivity for radar, sonar, autopilot, and other marine instruments
SD Card Slot	For loading additional charts, software updates, and storing waypoints/routes
Waterproof Rating (IPX7)	Protected against immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
Power Button	Turns unit on/off; holds for system reset
Home Button	Returns to main chart screen from any menu
Volume Controls	Adjusts alarm and audio alert levels
Backlight Control	Adjusts screen brightness for day/night operation

Installation

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

Mount the Bracket: Use provided hardware to secure mount to helm or console.
Connect Power: Route power cable to 12–24 VDC power source; connect red to positive, black to negative.
Connect NMEA Devices: Attach NMEA 2000 drop cable to network or connect NMEA 0183 wires per manual.
Install SD Card (Optional): Insert chart or update card into slot.
Secure Unit: Snap chartplotter into mount; tighten security screw.

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.

Select Language: Choose from available options (default ENGLISH).
Configure Units: Set distance, depth, temperature, and coordinate format.
Calibrate Compass: Follow prompts to calibrate internal heading sensor.
Set Alarms: Configure anchor drag, shallow/deep water, and off-course alarms.
Acquire GPS: Allow unit to locate satellites (may take several minutes first time).

CAUTION! Perform compass calibration away from magnetic interference (engines, speakers).

Specifications

Display Size: 8 or 10 inches (diagonal) touchscreen.
Chartplotter: Preloaded BlueChart g2 coastal charts.
GPS Receiver: GPS/GLONASS with WAAS/EGNOS support.
Connectivity: NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, SD card, optional Garmin network.
Sonar Support: Compatible with Garmin CHIRP traditional, ClearVü, SideVü.
Radar Support: Compatible with Garmin GMR xHD2 and xHD3 radars.
Power Input: 12–24 VDC, 3 A max.
Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).

Controls and Settings

Access menus via touchscreen. Physical Buttons: POWER, HOME, VOLUME UP/DOWN.

Touchscreen Menus: Chart, Sonar, Radar, Waypoints, Routes, Tracks, Settings, Alarms.

Chart Settings: Orientation (North Up, Course Up), Detail Level, Overlays (Depth, Tides, Currents). Navigation: Create Waypoint, Route Planning, Go To, Man Overboard (MOB). Sonar: Frequency Selection, Gain, Range, Noise Rejection. System: Language, Units, Backlight, System Information, Software Update.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 2000: Connect drop cable to network backbone. NMEA 0183: Connect TX/RX wires to compatible device. Sonar: Connect transducer cable to appropriate port. Radar: Connect radar cable to network or dedicated port.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
Match cables to labeled ports on rear of unit.
Seal connections with provided waterproof caps.
Power on and configure devices in Settings > Communications.

Tip: Use Garmin Marine Network cables for radar and sonar connections to ensure proper performance.

Navigation & Chartplotting

Supports waypoints, routes, tracks, and AIS target plotting.

View Chart: Tap Chart icon; pinch to zoom, drag to pan.
Create Waypoint: Tap desired location; select "Save as Waypoint."
Plan Route: Tap Route > New; tap points on chart to create route legs.
Navigate: Tap Go To; select waypoint or route; follow course line.
View Tides/Currents: Tap Overlays to display tide stations and current vectors.
AIS Display: If connected, AIS targets appear on chart with vessel info.
MOB Function: Tap MOB button to instantly mark and navigate to man overboard position.
Track Recording: Automatically records track; can be saved and reversed.

WARNING! Always verify chart data and use official paper charts as primary navigation aid.

Sonar & Radar Features

Sonar: View traditional sonar, ClearVü (down imaging), SideVü (side imaging). Radar: Overlay radar image on chart; configure range, gain, and clutter.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, damp cloth with mild soap to clean screen and casing. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

CAUTION! Ensure power is disconnected before cleaning. Do not submerge unit beyond IPX7 rating.

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. 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/fuse	Check 12–24 VDC power source; verify fuse in power cable; ensure connections are secure.
Poor GPS Accuracy	Obstruction/interference	Ensure clear view of sky; move away from metal structures/electronics; allow time for satellite acquisition.
Touchscreen Unresponsive	Screen protector/calibration	Remove aftermarket screen protector; clean screen; restart unit.
No Sonar/Radar Data	Cable/configuration	Check cable connections; ensure device is powered; verify settings in Communications menu.
Chart Not Displaying	SD card/region	Ensure SD card is properly inserted; verify chart is for correct region; update software.

Reset: Hold Power button for 15 seconds to force restart.

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.