GPSMAP 188/188C/238 Sounder
chartplotting receiver
& depth-fi nder
owner’s
manual
and
reference
guide
(GPSMAP 188C Shown)
188Ccover.indd 1
6/30/2003, 3:24:39 PM
© Copyright 2003 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 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. 44/1794.519944
Fax 44/1794.519222
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 prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this
manual and of any revision of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or any
revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided
further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the con-
tent without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the Garmin web site (www.garmin.com) for current updates and supple-
mental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.
GARMIN®, AutoLocate®, GPSMAP®, See-Thru®, DCG (Depth Control Gain)®, MapSource®, BlueChart®, and TracBack® are registered trademarks of Garmin
Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
June 2003
Part Number 190-00216-10 Rev. A
Printed in Taiwan
188Ccover.indd 2
6/30/2003, 3:24:52 PM
Preface
Congratulations on choosing one of the most advanced marine navigation systems available! The
Garmin GPSMAP® 188/188C/238 Sounders utilize the proven performance of Garmin GPS and full fea-
tured mapping to create an unsurpassed marine navigation chartplotters.
This manual covers instructions for the GPSMAP 188, GPSMAP 188C (color), and GPSMAP 232.
Unit operation and specifi cations will be the same on all three models, unless otherwise speci-
fi ed. 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 188/188C/238 Sounder and provides a Getting Started tour
so that you may become more familiar with the unit. This section will provide you with a basic working
knowledge necessary to use the unit to its fullest potential.
Part Two is divided into sections that provide detailed references to the advanced features and opera-
tions of the GPSMAP 188/188C/238 Sounder. This allows you to concentrate on a specifi c topic quickly
and look up detailed information about the GPSMAP 188/188C/238 Sounder.
Customer Service Product Registration
Help us better support you by completing our on-line registration today!
Have the serial number of your GPSMAP 188/188C/238 handy and connect to our web site
(www.garmin.com). Look for the Product Registration link on the Home page. Also, be sure to record
your serial number in the area provided on page iv of this manual.
NOTE: If you have previously registered a Garmin product purchase, we invite you to
re-register using our NEW on-line system. Many services provided by our new product
registration system are now being automated and re-registering your purchase ensures
you the best possible support from Garmin.
Introduction
Preface and
Registration
i
188188C238 Manual Intro.indd i
6/30/2003, 3:26:06 PM
Introduction
FCC Compliance
ii
FCC Compliance
The GPSMAP 188/188C/238 Sounder complies 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 reason-
able protection 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, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 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:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or and experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The GPS 188C Sounder does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by
an authorized Garmin service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifi cations could result in permanent
damage to the equipment, and void your warranty and your authority to operated this device under
Part 15 regulations.
188188C238 Manual Intro.indd ii
6/30/2003, 3:26:26 PM
The GPS system is operated by the United States government, which is solely responsible for its accuracy
and maintenance. The system is subject to changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS
equipment. Although the Garmin GPSMAP 188/188C/238 is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID),
any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.
The electronic chart is an aid to navigation and is designed to facilitate the use of authorized government
charts, not replace them. Only offi cial government charts and notices to mariners contain all information needed
for safe navigation – and, as always, the user is responsible for their prudent use.
Use the GPSMAP 188/188C/238 at your own risk. To reduce the risk of unsafe operation, carefully review
and understand all aspects of this Owner’s Manual—and thoroughly practice operation using the simulator
mode prior to actual use. When in actual use, carefully compare indications from the GPSMAP 188/188C/238 to
all available navigation sources, including the information from other NAVAIDs, visual sightings, charts, etc. For
safety, always resolve any discrepancies before continuing navigation.
FCC Compliance
The GPSMAP 188/188C/238 complies with Part 15 of the FCC interference limits for Class B digital devices
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection 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, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 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 or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the
receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an
outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
The GPSMAP 188/188C/238 does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by
an authorized Garmin service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifi cations could result in permanent damage
to the equipment, and void your warranty and your authority to operate this device under Part 15 regulations.
Introduction
Warnings and Cautions
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 (as required) in product lit-
erature and copyright messages displayed to the consumer.
Virtually all data sources contain inaccurate or incomplete
data to some degree. This is particularly true outside the
United States, where complete and accurate digital data is
either not available or prohibitively expensive.
CAUTION: IT IS THE USER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO
USE THIS PRODUCT PRUDENTLY. THIS PRODUCT IS
INTENDED TO BE USED ONLY AS A NAVIGATIONAL
AID AND MUST NOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE
REQUIRING PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF DIREC-
TION, DISTANCE, LOCATION, OR TOPOGRAPHY.
WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its compo-
nents contain chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This
Notice is being provided in accordance with California’s
Proposition 65. If you have any questions or would like
additional information, please refer to our web site at http:
//www.garmin.com/prop65.
iii
188188C238 Manual Intro.indd iii
6/30/2003, 3:26:29 PM
Introduction
Warranty and
Serial Number
Serial Number
Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit number
located on the back of the unit) in case it is lost, stolen, or
needs service. Be sure to keep your original sales receipt in a
safe place or attach a photocopy inside the manual.
LIMITED WARRANTY
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 OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING
UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATU-
TORY 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 damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Serial Number:
*
The GPSMAP 188/188C/238 Sounder is fastened shut with
screws. Any attempt to open the case to change or modify
the unit in any way will void your warranty and may result
in permanent damage to the equipment.
iv
*
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 Customer Ser-
vice at one of the numbers shown below, for shipping instructions and an RMA tracking number. The unit
should be securely packed with the tracking number clearly written on the outside of the package. The unit
should then be sent, freight charges prepaid, to any Garmin warranty service station. A copy of the original
sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs.
Products sold through online auctions are not eligible for rebates or other special offers from Garmin.
Online auction confi rmations are not accepted for warranty verifi cation. 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.
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street
Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
913/397.8200
Phone:
USA Only: 800/800.1020
FAX:
913/397.0836
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 4, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate
Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K.
Phone:
FAX:
44/1794.519944
44/1794.519222
188188C238 Manual Intro.indd iv
6/30/2003, 3:26:29 PM
Software License Agreement
BY USING THE GPSMAP 188/188C/238, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CON-
DITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREE-
MENT 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
Software License Agreement
188188C238 Manual Intro.indd v
6/30/2003, 3:26:29 PM
v
Introduction
Packing List
GPSMAP 188/188C/238 Sounder
Standard and Optional Transducers
Unit part numbers 010-00268-01, 010-00239-02, 010-
00239-03, and 010-00250-11 include a 200/50kHz, 10/40
degree, plastic, depth and temp, transom mount transducer.
For a complete list of optional transducers, see page 96.
For the most recent list of available accessories for
your GPS unit, current user manuals and software
updates, visit our web site at www.garmin.com.
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 188/188C/238 Sounder Unit
• GA 29 External Antenna and 30’ cable
• Gimbal Mount and Knobs
• Power/Data Cable
• Owner’s Manual
• Quick Reference Card
• Protective Cover
Optional Accessories:
• US A/C PC Adapter
• EURO A/C PC Adapter
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter
• BlueChart Marine Data Cards, MapSource CDs, USB Data Card Programmer and Data Cards
• USB Data Card Programmer
• GBR21 Beacon Receiver for differential corrections; GA 22 H-Field Antenna
• 2nd Mounting Station
• Marine Swivel Mount, 1” RAM® Mount (GPSMAP 188 with external antenna only)
vi
188188C238 Manual Intro.indd vi
6/30/2003, 3:26:30 PM