Manual for Marine Garmin GPS 50s

The Garmin GPS 50s is a rugged, waterproof marine GPS receiver designed for navigation on boats and vessels. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, WAAS/EGNOS support, a sunlight-readable display, NMEA 0183 output, waypoint and route management, MOB (Man Overboard) function, track log recording, and various navigation screens. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Waterproof GPS receiver unit, Mounting bracket, Power/data cable, External antenna connector, NMEA 0183 output.

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location carefully.

1. Mount unit: Use provided bracket on flat surface with clear sky view.
2. Connect power: Red wire to positive (+), black wire to negative (-) on 10-32V DC source.
3. Connect NMEA: Connect NMEA 0183 output wires to compatible devices if needed.
4. Connect external antenna: Optional for improved reception in covered areas.
5. Secure all connections with waterproof sealant for marine environment.

WARNING! Ensure proper polarity when connecting power. Use marine-grade wiring and connectors.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initialization procedure.

1. Acquire satellites: Place unit with clear sky view; wait for 3D fix (typically 1-2 minutes).
2. Set units: In SETUP menu, select nautical miles/statute miles, meters/feet, etc.
3. Set time: Choose local time or UTC; set time zone and daylight saving.
4. Calibrate compass: Follow on-screen procedure if equipped with electronic compass.
5. Configure NMEA: Set output sentences and baud rate (4800 default).

CAUTION! Ensure secure mounting before operation in marine conditions.

Specifications

• GPS Receiver: 12 parallel channels, WAAS/EGNOS capable.
• Accuracy: Position: <10 meters RMS, Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS.
• Update Rate: 1 second continuous.
• Display: 4-level grayscale LCD, 160 x 160 pixels.
• Waypoints: 500 with name and symbol.
• Routes: 20 reversible routes, 50 points each.
• Track Log: 10,000 points, automatic or manual.
• Interface: NMEA 0183 version 2.0, GARMIN proprietary.
• Power: 10-32V DC, 1.5W typical.
• Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
• Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C.
• Dimensions: 15.2 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm.
• Weight: 340 grams.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ENTER, ROCKER key (up/down/left/right), BACKLIGHT.

Menu Navigation: Use PAGE to cycle through screens (Satellite, Map, Navigation, Highway, Main Menu). Use ROCKER to move cursor, ENTER to select.

Setup Menu: Units (Distance, Speed, Depth, Temperature), Time (Format, Time Zone), System (Interface, Backlight, Contrast, Alarms), Navigation (CDI, Arrival Alarm).

Main Menu: Waypoints, Routes, Tracks, MOB, Setup, Calibration.

Connecting Devices

NMEA 0183: Connect to chartplotters, autopilots, radar, AIS receivers.

1. Identify NMEA IN/OUT wires on GPS 50s cable.
2. Connect GPS NMEA OUT to device NMEA IN (typically yellow wire to yellow wire).
3. Connect ground wires (black to black or shield).
4. Configure both devices to same baud rate (4800 default).

Tip: Use twisted pair wiring for NMEA connections to reduce interference.

Navigation Functions

Multiple navigation screens for different purposes.

1. Satellite Page: Shows satellite positions, signal strength, and fix status.
2. Map Page: Displays position on moving map with waypoints and track.
3. Navigation Page: Shows bearing, distance, speed, course, and ETA to destination.
4. Highway Page: Graphical "highway" display for course guidance.
5. MOB Function: Press and hold ENTER for 3 seconds to mark Man Overboard position and begin navigation back.
6. Goto Navigation: Select waypoint and choose "Goto" to navigate directly.
7. Follow Route: Select stored route and choose "Navigate" to follow route.

WARNING! GPS is an aid to navigation only. Always use traditional navigation methods as backup.

Waypoints & Routes

Create and manage waypoints and routes for navigation.

1. Create Waypoint: Press ENTER at current position or use cursor to select location on map.
2. Edit Waypoint: Name (up to 6 characters), select symbol, add comment.
3. Create Route: From Main Menu > Routes > New Route, add waypoints in sequence.
4. Navigate Route: Select route and choose "Navigate" to follow.
5. Reverse Route: Useful for return trip navigation.
6. Track Log: Automatically records path; can save as route for retracing.

Note: Waypoints and routes are retained in memory when power is off.

Care & Maintenance

Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use. Clean display with soft, damp cloth only.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasives. Ensure connectors are clean and dry before reconnecting.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. 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. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Press and hold PAGE + ENTER while powering on for factory reset (erases all user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.