Manual for the Garmin GPS 51

The Garmin GPS 51 is a compact, high-sensitivity GPS receiver designed for outdoor navigation, featuring a sunlight-readable color display, preloaded topographic maps, a barometric altimeter, 3-axis electronic compass, wireless connectivity, and up to 16 hours of battery life. It supports waypoint marking, track logging, route planning, and is waterproof to IPX7 standards. 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 & Mapping 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-sensitivity GPS receiver, Color display, Power button, Menu/Back buttons, Zoom buttons, USB port, Battery compartment, Mounting socket.

Feature	Description
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity with WAAS/EGNOS support for accurate positioning
Display	2.6-inch sunlight-readable color TFT, 160 x 240 pixels
Altimeter/Compass	Barometric altimeter and 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass
Wireless Connectivity	ANT+ and Bluetooth for sensor and data sharing
Memory	Internal memory for maps and data; microSD card slot for expansion
Battery	Rechargeable lithium-ion, up to 16 hours runtime
Waterproof Rating	IPX7 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Preloaded Maps	Topographic maps with terrain details and points of interest
Waypoints/Tracks	1000 waypoints, 200 tracks, 50 routes
Connectivity Port	USB for charging and data transfer

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all components are present.

Insert battery: Open battery compartment, insert rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Charge device: Connect USB cable to GPS 51 and power source for initial charge.
Mount device: Attach to included mounting bracket or compatible handlebar/mount.
Power on: Press and hold POWER button until display activates.

WARNING! Ensure battery is properly oriented. Do not force connectors. Keep device dry during installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on device; follow on-screen prompts.

Acquire satellite signal: Go outdoors with clear sky view; wait for GPS fix.
Set language: In SETTINGS menu, select preferred language (default ENGLISH).
Calibrate compass: Follow on-screen instructions for accurate compass readings.
Set units: Choose metric or imperial for distance, elevation, temperature.
Configure profiles: Select activity profile (Hiking, Cycling, etc.) for optimized settings.

CAUTION! Calibrate compass away from magnetic interference. Ensure full charge before first use.

Specifications

Dimensions: 2.3" x 4.1" x 1.3" (58 x 104 x 33 mm).
Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g) with battery.
Display: 2.6-inch color TFT, 160 x 240 pixels.
GPS: High-sensitivity receiver, supports GPS, GLONASS.
Sensors: Barometric altimeter, 3-axis electronic compass.
Wireless: ANT+, Bluetooth.
Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion, 16 hours typical use.
Waterproof: IPX7 standard.
Operating Temp: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C).
Memory: Internal storage, microSD card slot.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via MENU button. Front Panel: POWER, MENU/BACK, ZOOM IN/OUT, ENTER.

On-Screen: Map, Compass, Trip Computer, Altimeter, Main Menu.

Navigation: Mark waypoint, Follow track, Navigate to point. Settings: System (language, units, display), Sensors (calibrate altimeter/compass), Profiles (activity customization), Wireless (ANT+/Bluetooth). Map: Orientation (North up, Track up), Detail level, POI display. Tracks: Record, save, clear track log.

Connecting Devices

USB: For charging and data transfer to computer. Wireless: ANT+ for heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor; Bluetooth for smartphone connectivity.

Turn on device and enable wireless in SETTINGS.
Pair ANT+ sensor: Select sensor type, follow pairing prompts.
Connect to smartphone: Enable Bluetooth on phone, pair with GPS 51 for notifications/data sync.
Transfer data: Connect USB to computer, use Garmin Express software for updates/map transfers.

Tip: Ensure devices are within range (3 meters for ANT+, 10 meters for Bluetooth).

Navigation & Mapping

Supports waypoint navigation, track following, route planning.

Mark waypoint: Press and hold ENTER at location, name and save.
Navigate to waypoint: Select waypoint from list, choose "Go".
Record track: Start track recording in TRACKS menu; pause or save when done.
Follow route: Create route by adding waypoints; activate for turn-by-turn guidance.
Use map: Zoom in/out with buttons; pan map with cursor; select POIs for details.
Set proximity alerts: Configure alerts for waypoints or areas.
View trip data: Access Trip Computer for distance, speed, time, elevation gain.
Save activity: Save track as activity for later review.

WARNING! GPS accuracy may vary in canyons, dense foliage, or urban areas. Always carry a paper map as backup.

Accessibility Features

Display: Adjust backlight, contrast, color themes for visibility. Audio: Enable tone alerts for waypoints/turns. Simplified View: Activate in settings for larger icons/text.

Care & Cleaning

Power off and disconnect from charger before cleaning. Use soft, damp cloth; avoid solvents or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not submerge while charging port cover is open. Store in cool, dry place.

Regulatory Information

FCC ID: IPH-00309. Complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Contains FCC ID: XPYMOBNBD1 (Bluetooth module). This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Copyright © 2025 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Battery depleted/faulty	Charge battery; ensure proper insertion; try different USB cable/charger.
Poor GPS signal	Obstructions/settings	Move to open area; ensure GPS+GLONASS enabled; wait several minutes.
Inaccurate compass	Need calibration/interference	Calibrate compass away from metal/electronics; hold device level.
Wireless not connecting	Distance/pairing	Ensure devices are on, within range; re-pair sensor/phone.
Map not displaying	Data corruption	Restart device; check microSD card seating; reload maps via Garmin Express.
Screen unresponsive	Software freeze	Perform soft reset (hold POWER 15 seconds); update software.

Reset: Settings > System > Reset > Reset Settings (or Master Reset for full clear).

Service: 1-800-800-1020; www.garmin.com/support