GPSMAP® 182/182C
chartplotting receiver
owner’s manual
(GPSMAP 182C 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®, TracBack®, See-Thru®, MetroGuide®, 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 190-00584-00 Rev. A 
 
Printed in Taiwan
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Garmin® GPSMAP® 182/182C. 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 182/182C, 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 182/182C 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 182/182C.
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 182/182C 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 182/182C 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 optional 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 182/182C safely and responsibly. 
An Index is provided at the end of the manual for reference. 
GPSMAP 182/182C 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
ENTER/MARK Key .......................................................................8
Creating Waypoints Graphically .....................................................9
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
ii 
Receiving DSC Calls ....................................................................23
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 Zoom Range .........................................................29
Map Page Options ........................................................................30
Pointer Page .......................................................................... 33
Numbers Page ....................................................................... 34
Highway Page ........................................................................ 35
Highway Page Options .................................................................36
Active Route Page ................................................................. 37
Active Route Page Options ...........................................................38
Main Menu ..........................................................................39
GPS Tab .................................................................................. 40
WAAS Capability .........................................................................41
GPS Tab Options ..........................................................................43
Tide Tab .................................................................................. 44
Trip Tab ................................................................................... 47
Celes (Celestial) Tab ............................................................. 47
Points Tab .............................................................................. 49
Routes Tab ............................................................................. 53
Track Tab ................................................................................ 59
DSC Tab .................................................................................. 62
Card Tab ................................................................................. 62
GPSMAP 182/182C Owner’s Manual
Time Tab ................................................................................. 63
Pages Tab ............................................................................... 63
Map Tab .................................................................................. 64
General Sub Tab ...........................................................................64
Source Sub Tab  ............................................................................65
Waypoints Sub Tab .......................................................................66
Points Sub Tab ..............................................................................66
Navaids Sub Tab ...........................................................................67
Nav Line Sub Tab .........................................................................67
Track Sub Tab ...............................................................................67
Other Sub Tab ...............................................................................68
Hiway (Highway) Tab ............................................................. 68
Temp (Temperature) Tab ....................................................... 68
Sonar Tab ............................................................................... 69
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 182/182C ......................................... 93
Mounting the GPSMAP 182/182C  ........................................ 94
Installing the Ferrite Bead Clamp ........................................ 97
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 a 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 182/182C Owner’s Manual 
 
iii
INTRODUCTION > CARE INFORMATION
Care Information
Cleaning the Unit
The GPSMAP 182/182C 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 182/182C
Do not store the GPSMAP 182/182C 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 182/182C 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 182/182C Owner’s Manual
BASIC OPERATION
Initializing the Receiver
The first time you turn on the GPSMAP 182/182C, the receiver 
must be given an opportunity to collect satellite data and 
establish its present location. To ensure proper initialization, the 
GPSMAP 182/182C is shipped from the factory in AutoLocate 
mode.
Before you initialize, make sure the GPSMAP 182/182C unit and 
antenna have been 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 is displayed 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 182/182C:
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 182/182C:
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 182/182C Owner’s Manual 
 
1
BASIC OPERATION > INITIALIZING THE RECEIVER
To graphically initialize the GPSMAP 182/182C:
1.   Press MENU twice for the Main Menu. Press up or down 
on the ROCKER until the GPS tab is highlighted, and press 
MENU one time.
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 GPSMAP 182/182C 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 has collected the 
necessary data and the satellite(s) are ready for 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 182/182C is ready for use.
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GPSMAP 182/182C Owner’s Manual