GPSMAP® 188/188C Sounder
chartplotting receiver
owner’s manual
(GPSMAP 188C shown)
© Copyright 2005 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
Tel. 913/397.8200 or 800/800.1020
Fax 913/397.8282
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle,
Abbey Park Industrial Estate,
Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K.
Tel. 44/0870.8501241
Fax 44/0870.8501251
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr,
Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax 886/2.2642.9099
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Garmin®, GPSMAP®, AutoLocate®, See-Thru®, TracBack®, BlueChart®, and MapSource® are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not
be used without the express permission of Garmin.
May 2005
Part Number 190-00585-00 Rev. A
Printed in Taiwan
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Garmin® GPSMAP® 188/188C
Sounder. Take a moment now to compare the contents of this
package with the packing list on the outside of the box. If any
pieces are missing, contact your Garmin dealer immediately.
Before you begin working with the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder,
review the installation instructions listed in the Appendix. If
you have any question about installing your chartplotter, contact
Garmin Product Support or a professional installer.
The GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Quick Reference Guide contains
helpful tips on using the unit and performing various navigation
tasks. It is a good idea to keep the Quick Reference Guide nearby
whenever you are operating your new GPSMAP 188/188C
Sounder.
About This Manual
To get the most out of your new navigation system, take time to
read this manual and learn the operating procedures for your unit in
detail. This manual is organized into the following sections.
The Introduction section contains the Table of Contents and
GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder care information.
INTRODUCTION > ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The Basic Operation section provides you with detailed
information and step-by-step directions for features such as using
the Find Menu, navigating a route, and using waypoints.
The Main Pages section provides detailed explanations about
each page in the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder and step-by-step
directions on using the pages.
The Main Menu section provides detailed explanations about the
Main Menu and how to use it to configure your unit.
The Using Sonar section contains information on the sonar
capablities.
The Appendix contains installation instructions, specifications,
optional accessories, and maintenance information. You can also
find warranty and FCC information in the Appendix. Read the
Safety Information to learn how to install and use your Garmin
GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder safely and responsibly.
An Index is provided at the end of the manual for reference.
GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Owner’s Manual
i
INTRODUCTION > TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Introduction ...........................................................................i
About This Manual ................................................................... i
Care Information ..................................................................... iv
Basic Operation ...................................................................1
Initializing the Receiver .......................................................... 1
Simulator Mode ....................................................................... 3
Adjusting the Backlight .......................................................... 4
Interface Keys .......................................................................... 5
Entering Data and Selecting Options .................................... 6
Using the Map Pointer ............................................................ 7
Creating and Using Waypoints .............................................. 8
Man OverBoard (MOB) .......................................................... 10
Reviewing and Editing Waypoints ....................................... 11
Navigating to a Destination .................................................. 12
Using the Nav Key .......................................................................12
Selecting a Go To Graphically ......................................................13
TracBack Navigation (Navigating a Track) ..................................14
Routes .................................................................................... 17
Find ........................................................................................ 19
Additional Information .......................................................... 21
DSC ......................................................................................... 22
Understanding Distress Calls ........................................................22
Understanding Position Reports ...................................................23
Receiving DSC Calls ....................................................................23
ii
Navigating to a Position Report or Distress Call ..........................25
Setting up DSC .............................................................................25
Main Pages .........................................................................26
Map Page ................................................................................ 27
Using the Map Pointer ..................................................................28
Selecting Map Ranges ..................................................................29
Map Page Options ........................................................................30
Pointer Page .......................................................................... 33
Numbers Page ....................................................................... 34
Highway Page ........................................................................ 35
Active Route Page ................................................................. 37
Main Menu ..........................................................................39
GPS Tab .................................................................................. 39
Tide Tab .................................................................................. 43
Trip Tab ................................................................................... 46
Celes (Celestial) Tab ............................................................. 47
Points Tab .............................................................................. 48
User Waypoint List .......................................................................49
Proximity Waypoint List ...............................................................51
Routes Tab ............................................................................. 53
Route Review Page .......................................................................54
Route Review Menu Options .......................................................55
Track Tab ................................................................................ 59
DSC Tab .................................................................................. 61
Card Tab ................................................................................. 62
Time Tab ................................................................................. 62
GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Owner’s Manual
Pages Tab ............................................................................... 63
Map Tab .................................................................................. 64
General Sub Tab ...........................................................................64
Source Sub Tab ............................................................................64
Waypoints Sub Tab .......................................................................65
Points Sub Tab ..............................................................................66
Navaids Sub Tab ...........................................................................66
Nav Line Sub Tab .........................................................................67
Track Sub Tab ...............................................................................67
Other Sub Tab ...............................................................................67
Hiway (Highway) Tab ............................................................. 68
Temp (Temperature) Tab ....................................................... 68
Sonar Tab ............................................................................... 68
Systm (System) Tab .............................................................. 69
Units Tab ............................................................................... 70
Comm (Communications) Tab ............................................. 72
Alarm Tab ............................................................................... 76
Using Sonar .......................................................................78
Sonar Page ............................................................................. 78
Using the Adjustment Menu .........................................................79
Sonar Page Options ......................................................................83
Sonar Tab Options ................................................................ 85
Understanding Sonar ............................................................ 89
Understanding the Sonar Display .................................................89
Transducer Coverage ....................................................................90
INTRODUCTION > TABLE OF CONTENTS
Whiteline ......................................................................................91
Thermoclines ................................................................................91
Appendix ............................................................................92
Specifications ........................................................................ 92
Installing the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder ......................... 93
Mounting the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder ......................... 94
Installing the Transducer ...................................................... 96
Connecting the Power/Data Cable ....................................... 98
Interfacing .............................................................................. 99
Installing and Removing Data Cards ................................. 100
Satellite Information ............................................................ 101
What is WAAS? .................................................................... 102
What is Differential GPS (DGPS)? ..................................... 102
What is Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)? ........... 103
How are MMSI Assignments Obtained? ............................ 103
Navigation Terms ................................................................ 104
Messages ............................................................................. 106
LORAN TD System .............................................................. 108
Optional Accessories .......................................................... 110
Software License Agreement ..............................................111
Product Registration ............................................................111
Limited Warranty ................................................................. 112
FCC Compliance .................................................................. 113
Safety Information ............................................................... 114
Index .................................................................................115
GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Owner’s Manual
iii
INTRODUCTION > CARE INFORMATION
Care Information
Cleaning the Unit
The GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder is constructed of high quality
materials and does not require user maintenance other than
cleaning. Clean the unit using a cloth dampened with a mild
detergent solution and then wipe dry. Avoid chemical cleaners and
solvents that can damage plastic components.
Storing the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder
Do not store the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder where prolonged
exposure to temperature extremes can occur (such as in the trunk
of a car) as permanent damage can result. User information, such
as waypoints and routes are retained in the unit’s memory without
the need for external power. It is always a good practice to back up
important user data by manually recording it or downloading it to a
PC (transferring it to MapSource.)
Immersing the Unit in Water
The GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder is waterproof to IEC Standard
60529 IPX7. It can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30
minutes. Prolonged submersion can cause damage to the unit. After
submersion, be certain to wipe and air dry the unit before reuse.
To resolve problems that cannot be remedied using this manual,
contact Garmin Product Support in the U.S.A. at 800/800-1020 or
Garmin Europe at 44/0870-8501241.
iv
GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Owner’s Manual
BASIC OPERATION
Initializing the Receiver
The first time you turn on the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder, the
receiver must be given an opportunity to collect satellite data
and establish its present location. To ensure proper initialization,
the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder is shipped from the factory in
AutoLocate Mode.
Before you initialize, make sure the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder
unit and antenna are correctly installed on your vessel according to
the instructions in the Appendix. Install the antenna in a location
with a clear and unobstructed view of the sky.
A full-screen GPS Information Page appears after you press
ENTER to acknowledge the Warning Page. The page goes away
after the unit gets a position fix or you press either ENTER or
QUIT. The page can be disabled and enabled on the
Main Menu—Pages tab (see page 63).
BASIC OPERATION > INITIALIZING THE RECEIVER
To turn on the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder:
1. Press and hold the POWER key until the power tone
sounds, and then release the POWER key. The Warning
Page appears while the unit conducts a self-test.
2. When the self-test is complete, press ENTER to agree and
acknowledge the warning.
The GPS Information Page appears as the receiver begins acquiring
satellites.
To turn off the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder:
1. Press and hold the POWER key for approximately
2 seconds, until the screen is blank.
2. When the screen is blank, release the POWER key.
GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Owner’s Manual
1
BASIC OPERATION > INITIALIZING THE RECEIVER
To graphically initialize the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder:
1. Press MENU twice for the Main Menu. Press up or down
on the ROCKER until the GPS tab is highlighted, and then
press MENU once.
2. Using the ROCKER, highlight Initialize Position, and press
ENTER. The Initialize Position Page appears, prompting
you to select your approximate location with the map
pointer.
3. Use the ROCKER to move the map pointer to your
approximate location within 200 miles. If you have difficulty
identifying your location, press and release the IN key to
see the next lower map range.
4. After you determine your approximate location on the map,
press ENTER.
NOTE: This does not calibrate the unit in any way, but rather
helps to speed up the initial satellite acquisition. If the unit
displays “Ready 2D or 3D” during this process, it is not
necessary to initialize the unit.
The unit now begins searching for the appropriate satellites for
your region and should acquire a fix within a few minutes. When
viewing the GPS tab on the Main Menu, a signal strength bar for
each satellite in view appears on the bottom of the page, with the
appropriate satellite number under each bar.
• No signal strength bars—the receiver is looking for the
satellites indicated.
• Hollow signal strength bars—the receiver has found the
indicated satellite(s) and is collecting data.
• Solid signal strength bars—the receiver is ready to use.
When the receiver has collected information from at least three
satellites, the top of the screen displays either “Ready 2D or 3D”,
and the GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder is ready for use.
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GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Owner’s Manual