GPSMAP 172/172C
chartplotting receiver
owner’s manual
© 2004-2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
Tel.
Fax
(913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020
(913) 397.8282
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Liberty House,
Hounsdown Business Park,
Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK
Tel.
Fax
+44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK)
0808 2380000 (within the UK)
+44 (0) 870.8501251
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax 886/2.2642.9099
All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or
stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without the express prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single
copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or of any revision hereto, pro-
vided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthor-
ized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the
content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (www.garmin.com) for current
updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.
Garmin® is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. Garmin®, GPSMAP®, AutoLocate®, TracBack®,
BlueChart®, and MapSource® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of
Garmin.
January 2007
Part Number 190-00321-00 Rev. C
Printed in Taiwan
Preface
Congratulations on choosing one of the most advanced marine navigation systems available! The
Garmin GPSMAP 172/172C models utilize the proven performance of Garmin GPS and full-featured map-
ping to create an unsurpassed marine navigation chartplotter.
This manual covers instructions for the GPSMAP 172 and GPSMAP 172C (color). Unit operation
and specifications will be the same on both models unless otheriwse specified. For GSD 20 sonar related
operations, refer to “GSD 20 Sounder Module with Garmin Chartplotters” (190-00241-03). To get the
most out of your new navigation system, take the time to go through this owner’s manual and learn the
operating procedures for your unit. This manual is broken down into two parts for your convenience.
Part One introduces you to the GPSMAP 172/172C and provides a Getting Started tour so that you
may become more familiar with the unit. This section provides you with a basic knowledge necessary to
use the unit.
Part Two is divided into sections that provide detailed references to the advanced features and opera-
tions of the GPSMAP 172/172C. This allows you to concentrate on a specific topic quickly and look up
detailed information about the GPSMAP 172/172C.
Software License Agreement
BY USING THE GPSMAP 172/172C, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDI-
TIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT
CAREFULLY.
Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this device (the “Software”) in
binary executable form in the normal operation of the product. Title, ownership rights and intellectual
property rights in and to the Software remain in Garmin.
You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and is protected under the United States
of America copyright laws and international copyright treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure,
organization, and code of the Software are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and that the Software in source
code form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin. You agree not to decompile, disassemble, modify,
reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or reduce to human readable form the Software or any part thereof or
create any derivative works based on the Software. You agree not to export or re-export the Software to
any country in violation of the export control laws of the United States of America.
Introduction
Preface/Registration/
Software License Agreement
Customer Service Product Registration
Help us better support you by completing our online
registration today! Connect to our Web site at
www.garmin.com/registration/.
Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit
number located on the back of the product name) in
case your product name needs service. Keep the original
sales receipt, or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Serial Number:
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ __
Contact Garmin
Contact Garmin if you have any questions while
using your product name. In the USA contact Garmin
Product Support by phone: (913) 397-8200 or (800)
800-1020, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central Time;
or go to www.garmin.com/support/, and click
Product Support.
In Europe, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. at
+44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK) or
0808 2380000 (within the UK).
Introduction
FCC Compliance
FCC Compliance
This product has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC interference limits for Class B
digital devices FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE. These limits are designed to provide more reasonable pro-
tection against harmful interference in a residential installation, and are more stringent than “outdoor”
requirements.
Operation of this device is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and may cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio communications if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following
measures:
•
•
•
•
This product does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an authorized
Garmin service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could result in permanent damage to the
equipment, and void your warranty and your authority to operate this device under Part 15 regulations.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the GPS unit.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Industry Canada Compliance
Category I radiocommunication devices comply with Industry Canada Standard RSS-210. Category II
radiocommunication devices comply with Industry Canada Standard RSS-310.
Warnings and Precautions
Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could result in an accident
or collision resulting in death or serious injury.
•
When navigating, carefully compare information displayed on the unit to all available naviga-
tion sources, including information from visual sightings, and maps. For safety, always resolve
any discrepancies or questions before continuing navigation.
Use the electronic chart in the unit only to facilitate, not to replace, the use of authorized
government charts. Official government charts and notices to mariners contain all information
needed to navigate safely.
Use this unit only as a navigational aid. Do not attempt to use the unit for any purpose requir-
ing precise measurement of direction, distance, location, or topography.
•
•
Introduction
Warnings and
Precautions
WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This Notice is provided in accordance
with California’s Proposition 65. See www.garmin.com/prop65 for more information.
Hg - LAMP(S) INSIDE THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS MERCURY AND MUST BE RECYCLED OR DIS-
POSED OF ACCORDING TO LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAWS.
For more information go to:
www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/environment/disposal.jsp.
MAP DATA INFORMATION: One of the goals of Garmin is to provide customers with the most
complete and accurate cartography that is available to us at a reasonable cost. We use a combination of
governmental and private data sources, which we identify in product literature and copyright messages
displayed to the consumer. Virtually all data sources contain some inaccurate or incomplete data. In some
countries, complete and accurate map information is either not available or is prohibitively expensive.
The California Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 requires the recycling of certain electronics.
For more information on the applicability to this product, see www.erecycle.org.
Introduction
Warranty and
Serial Number
The Garmin GPSMAP 172/172C has no user-serviceable
parts. and is fastened shut with screws. Any attempt to
open the case to change or modify the unit in any way voids
your warranty and may result in permanent damage to the
equipment.
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This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of
purchase. Within this period, Garmin will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal
use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the
customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse,
accident, or unauthorized alteration or repairs.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WAR-
RANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR
FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential dam-
ages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit
or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin authorized dealer or call Garmin Product Support for shipping
instructions and an RMA tracking number. Securely pack the unit and a copy of the original sales receipt, which is
required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Write the tracking number clearly on the outside of the pack-
age. Send the unit, freight charges prepaid, to any Garmin warranty service station.
Online Auction Purchases: Products sold through online auctions are not eligible for rebates or other special offers
from Garmin. Online auction confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty service, an
original or copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is required. Garmin will not replace missing components
from any package purchased through an online auction.
International Purchases: A separate warranty is provided by international distributors for units purchased outside
the United States. This warranty is provided by the local in-country distributor and this distributor provides local
service for your unit. Distributor warranties are only valid in the area of intended distribution. Units purchased in the
United States or Canada must be returned to the Garmin service center in the United Kingdom, the United States,
Canada, or Taiwan for service.
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
Tel. (913) 397-8200 or
(800) 800-1020
Fax (913) 397-8282
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Liberty House,
Hounsdown Business Park,
Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK
Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK)
0808.2380000 (within the UK)
Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax 886/2.2642.9099
Designed for detailed electronic charting capability, the Garmin GPSMAP 172/172C is a powerful
navigation device that can give you the information you need:
Precision Performance
(172) 10 level grayscale FSTN display with backlighting
(172C) 256-color CSTN display with backlighting
•
•
• 12-channel parallel receiver tracks and uses up to 12 satellites for fast, accurate positioning
• WAAS Capable — receive signals from the additional set of WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation
System) satellites to give you better accuracy
• Differential-Ready — just add an optional Garmin beacon receiver for better than 5-meter
accuracy
• Fully gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy case, waterproof to IEC 60529-IPX-7
Advanced Navigating and Plotting
• 3000 alphanumeric waypoints with selectable icons and comments
• Built-in Worldwide basemap to 20 miles includes detailed ocean, river and lake coastlines,
cities, interstates, US state highways and local thoroughfares
• 50 reversible routes with up to 50 waypoints each
• Uploadable maps using Garmin’s MapSource PC products and BlueChart Data Cards
• Coordinates: Lat/Lon, UTM/UPS, Loran TD, over 20 grids, including Maidenhead
• TracBack route feature which allows you to quickly retrace your track log to a starting position
• Built-in simulator mode
• Built-in tide information from over 3,000 tide stations around the USA coastline, Alaska,
Hawaii, western Canada and several Caribbean Islands
Introduction
Capabilities
Superior Fishfinding Ability (when com-
bined with the GSD 20 Sounder Module)
• Whiteline feature provides a clear image
of bottom hardness and structure
• See-Thru technology which helps sepa-
rate fish returns from thermoclines and
structure
• Depth Control Gain (DCG) feature
automatically adjusts fishfinder sensitivity
according to depth
• Multiple Zoom levels with a moving view
window, plus bottom lock
• Underwater waypoint marking
• Map/Sonar split screen combines
navigation and fishfinding ability
• Fish and Depth alarms
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Introduction
Packing List
Before installing and getting started with your unit, please check to see that your package includes
the following items. If any parts are missing, please contact your Garmin dealer immediately.
Standard Package:
• GPSMAP 172/172C Unit
• GA 29 Remote External Antenna and 30’ cable*
• Internal Antenna**
• Single-Knob Tilt & Swivel Bracket
• Power/Data Cable
• Owner’s Manual
• Quick Reference Card
• Protective Cover
Optional Accessories:
• US A/C, PC Adapter
• EURO A/C, PC Adapter
• UK A/C, PC Adapter
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter
• BlueChart Marine Data Cards, MapSource CDs, USB Data Card Programmer, and Data Cards
• GSD 20 Remote Sounder Module
• GBR 23 Beacon Receiver for differential corrections
* Not included with part numbers 010-00327-01 with internal antenna.
** Not included with part numbers 010-00327-00 with remote antenna.
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