Garmin GPSMAP 178C Sounder User Manual

owner’s manual GPSMAP 178/178Cchartplotter & depth-finder

viiiIntroduction“How To” IndexThe list to the right is provided to help you quickly find some of the more important procedures you may use on your new

90ReferenceMain Menu: Comm Tab/ Alarm TabGPSMAP 178/178C NMEA Sentence Output (NMEA version 3.01 compliant)Always transmitted: GPRMC, GPGGA, GPGLL, GP

91ReferenceMain Menu: Alarm TabSonar Submenu Tab Shallow Water/Deep Water – set alarms to sound when you enter an area of specified depth that is too

92Appendix AAntenna InstallationInstalling the GPSMAP 178/178CThe GPSMAP 178/178C must be properly installed according to the following instructions t

93Appendix AUnit InstallationMounting the GPSMAP 178/178C UnitThe GPSMAP 178/178C’s compact, waterproof case is suitable for mounting in exposed locat

94Appendix AUnit InstallationInstalling the Unit on the Mounting Bracket1. Align the slot on the back of the unit with the long mounting knob and sli

95Appendix AUnit InstallationFlush Mounting the GPSMAP 178/178C External Antenna UnitThe GPSMAP 178/178C External Antenna only can be flush mounted on

96Appendix AWiring and InterfacingConnecting the Power/Data CableThe power/data cable connects the GPSMAP 178/178C to 10-35 volt DC system and provide

97Selecting a TransducerAppendix ATransducersThe transducer acts as the eyes and ears of your new sonar. Proper transducer selection and installa-tion

98Appendix AProper transducer installation is key to getting the best performance from your new unit. If the transducer lead is too short, extension c

99Appendix AMounting the TransducerTo avoid drilling a hole to mount a thru-hull transducer, a transom mount transducer may be used with epoxy inside

1Getting StartedKeypad Usage(ZOOM) OUT Key The OUT key adjusts the map scale to display a larger area with less detail. (Zooms out)(ZOOM) IN Key The

100Appendix ATesting the InstallationTesting the InstallationWhile it is possible to perform some checks with the boat trailered, the boat should be i

101Appendix AInstalling and Removing Data CardsOnce the data card has been read, a summary screen appears. Press ENTER to acknowledge.Installing and R

On the Units Tab of the Main Menu, press MENU, then highlight ‘Loran TD On’ and press ENTER to select Loran TD.Or, highlight the Position Format field,

103Appendix BLoran TD SetupThe ‘LORAN TD Setup’ window contains the fields to select the Loran GRI-Chain Number, Primary and Secondary Stations, and TD

104Appendix CMap DatumsAdindan Adindan- Ethiopia, Mali, Senegal, SudanAfgooye Afgooye- SomaliaAIN EL ABD ‘70 AIN EL ANBD 1970- Bahrain Isl

105Appendix CMap DatumsKandawala Kandawala- Sri LankaKerguelen Islnd Kerguelen IslandKertau 1948 West Malaysia, SingaporeL. C. 5 Astro Cay

106Appendix DMessagesBattery Voltage High Please Check Connection— Input DC voltage is too high for unit.Battery Voltage Low Please Check Connection—

107Appendix DMessagesProximity Alarm List is Full— You have used all ten proximity waypoints.Proximity Alarm Waypoint— You have entered the alarm rad

108Appendix ENavigation TermsAvg Speed— The average of all second-by-second speed readings since last reset.Bearing (BRG)— The compass direction from

109Appendix ENavigation TermsOdometer— A running tally of distance travelled, based upon the distance between second-by-second position readings. Off

2Getting StartedSelecting OptionsThe GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder’s advanced keypad system is designed to allow for fast, convenient selection of navigatio

110Time OffsetsAppendix FThe chart below gives an approximate UTC (Universal Time Coordinate) time offset for the various longitudinal zones. Check wi

111Appendix GUnderstanding SonarUnderstanding SonarIf you are unfamiliar with basic sonar, or need help determining what is displayed on the graph, th

112Appendix GTransducer CoverageTransducer CoverageThe area covered by the transmitted sound waves is determined by the cone angle of the transducer a

113Appendix GUnderstanding the ChartUnderstanding the GraphIt is important to understand that the unit does not display a 3-D representation of the un

114Appendix GUnderstanding the GraphWhitelineThe GPSMAP 178/178C can help you to determine if the bottom is hard or soft. When the sonar soundwaves ar

115Appendix GUnderstanding the GraphThermoclinesOne of the unique features offered by Garmin is See-Thru technology. See-Thru technology allows the GP

116Appendix HSpecificationsPhysical SpecificationsSize: 4.9" H x 6.3" W x 3.7" D (122.5mm x 157.5mm x 92.5mm) Weight: 1.0 lb 3.5oz.

117Appendix HSpecifications/ Unit CareCleaning - The unit’s case is constructed of high quality material and does not require user maintenance other th

118IndexAppendix IAAccuracy 69Accuracy Alarm 90Accuracy Circle 29Active Route Page 19, 43, 64Adjustments, Sonar 36Adjustment Menu 15, 33, 34, 36

119Appendix IIndexEEditing Routes 60-63Editing Waypoints 48, 49Elevation Units 85Entering Data 3ENTER Key 1Erasing Tracks 75FFCC Compliance iiF

3Getting StartedEntering DataNaming a waypoint or placing any sort of data that has not been predefined requires the use of both the ARROW KEYPAD and t

120Appendix IIndexMENU Key 1MENU key 20Merge From Card 82Messages 106, 107MGRS 84MMSI Number 77, 78, 81MOB 56MOB Key 1, 56Moon Phase 74Moon R

121Appendix IIndexSaved Tracks 76Savings Tracks 75Scale, Highway 42Scale, Map 24, 39Scroll, Sonar 15, 36Selecting Options 2Serial Number ivSeri

122Appendix IIndexTrip Tab 74Turn Declutter On/Off 31UUnderstanding Sonar 111-115Understanding the Graph 113-115Underwater Waypoints 37Units 84,

For the latest free software updates (excluding map data) throughout the life of your Garmin products, visit the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com.©

4Getting StartedInitializing the Receiver/ Power OnInitializing the ReceiverThe first time you power up your GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder, the receiver must

5Getting StartedInitializing the ReceiverTo graphically initialize the GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder:1. Press the MENU key twice for the Main Menu. Press

6Getting StartedTour/BacklightingGPSMAP 178/178C Sounder Getting Started TourThe Garmin GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder is a powerful electronic navigation sy

7Getting StartedSimulator ModeEach page of the GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder’s system also features an options page, which gives you access to other functio

8Getting StartedMain Pages/ Map PageMain PagesThe Map Page is one of six main pages used in the GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder’s system. The six main pages a

9Getting StartedMap CursorUsing the Map CursorWorking from the Map Page is a simple process that centers around the use of the cursor. Controlled by t

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10Getting StartedMarking WaypointsTo mark your present position:1. Hold down the ENTER/MARK key until the ‘New Waypoint’ window appears then release

11Getting StartedUsing the NAV KeyGoing to a DestinationGPS is all about marking positions as waypoints and navigating to them using the receiver’s s

12Getting StartedSimulated TourTo activate the practice route stored in memory for navigation:1. Press NAV. The option list page appears. (If you we

13Getting StartedReviewing/Creating Map WaypointsYou’ll now have a clearer picture of the route you are navigating. Keep in mind that when you exceed

14Getting StartedMap/Sonar Split &Sonar PagesMap/Sonar Split PageThe Map/Sonar Split Page combines the Map Page on the left half with the Sonar Pa

15Getting StartedSonar PageUsing the Adjustment MenuThe Adjustment Menu allows direct access to the settings and features most commonly used on the So

16Getting StartedCompass PageCompass PageCurrent DestinationData FieldsCompass RingPointer ArrowLet’s move on to the GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder’s naviga

17Getting StartedHighway PageHighway PageThe GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder’s Highway Page also provides graphic steering guidance to a desti-nation waypoint

18Getting StartedHighway Page1. Press either the IN or OUT key to increase or decrease the zoom scale.Changing Data FieldsThe data fields on the main

19Getting StartedChanging Data Fields/ Active Route Page1. Press the MENU key to display the Page options.2. Highlight ‘Set Up Page Layout’ and pr

iIntroductionPreface/Registration/Software License AgreementPrefaceCongratulations on choosing one of the most advanced marine navigation systems avai

20Getting StartedMain Menu Page/ Deleting WaypointsMain Menu PageAs you’ve seen, the primary pages provide map, sonar, and navigation information. The

21Getting StartedPowering Off UnitCongratulations! You’ve now gone through the basic operation of the Garmin GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder. Your new digital

22ReferenceMap PageMap PageThe GPSMAP 178/178C’s Map Page provides a comprehensive display of electronic cartography, plotting, and navigational data.

23ReferenceMap Page: Cursor• Whenever you zoom in cursor mode, the cursor is centered on screen.• To return to position mode, press the QUIT key.W

24ReferenceMap Page: Cursor and ZoomingTo eliminate the cursor and re-center your position on-screen: 1. Press the QUIT key.The cursor may also be u

25ReferenceMap Page: OptionsMap Page OptionsMany features of the GPSMAP 178/178C are menu driven. Each of the main pages have an options menu, allowin

26ReferenceMap Page Options• Measure Distance— allows you to measure the bearing and distance between any two points on the map display.To measure the

27Map Page OptionsReferenceGeneral Tab Detail— Most, More, Normal, Less, Least: controls how much map detail displays. Those features which have a sp

28ReferenceMap Page: OptionsWaypoints Tab— Waypoints/Active Route Text— None, Small, Medium, and Large: controls the screen size of the name. Zoom

29ReferenceMap Page: OptionsTrack Tab— Saved Tracks/Track Log Zoom— Auto, Off, 20 ft.-800 mi.: sets the maximum scale at which the feature should app

iiIntroductionFCC ComplianceFCC ComplianceThis product has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC interference limits for Class B dig

30ReferenceMap Page: OptionsThe following data options are available for data fields on the main pages:• BEARING – Compass direction from your position

31ReferenceMap Page: Options• TOTAL TRIP TIME – Total travel time of trip, stopped and moving • TRACK – Current compass direction of travel • TRIP ODO

32ReferenceMap/Sonar Split PageMap/Sonar Split PageThe Map/Sonar Split Page combines the Map Page on the left half with the Sonar Page on the right by

33ReferenceSonar PageSonar PageThe Sonar Page is where your GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder becomes a powerful fishfinder. Fish are displayed as colored arches

34ReferenceSonar Page: Adjustment MenuTo change a setting back to ‘Normal’ or ‘Auto’:1. On the adjustment window for the desired option, press MENU.

35Sonar Page: Adjustment MenuReference View/Span— available when a Zoom scale other than ‘No Zoom’ is selected. The ‘View’ or ‘Span’ setting is used t

36Sonar Page OptionsReference Noise Reject— helps filter unwanted noise from the graph. The ‘Noise Reject’ tool can be turned ‘Off’, set to ‘Normal’ (a

37ReferenceSonar Page Options‘Show Pointer’ option enabledData WindowPointer‘Show Numbers’ option enabledTo mark an underwater waypoint:1. From the

38ReferenceSonar Page Options• Set Up Sonar — jumps to the Sonar tab of the Main Menu, which contains sonar configura-tion settings that should not re

39ReferenceSonar Tab OptionsIIf the unit is unable to track the bottom for any reason, the digits in the depth window flashes on and off to alert you t

iiiIntroductionWarnings and CautionsFailure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could result in an accident or collision resulting

40ReferenceSonar Tab OptionsTo calibrate the water speed:1. On the Sonar tab, use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight ‘Calibrate Water Speed’ and press EN

41Compass PageThe GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder features two different navigation pages: Compass and Highway. Whenever a NAV goto, Follow Track (TracBack),

42ReferenceHighway PageHighway PageWhen a Go To, TracBack, or route has been activated, the GPSMAP 178/178C’s Highway Page pro-vides digital and graph

43ReferenceHighway Page OptionsTo select a menu option:1. Using the ARROW KEYPAD, highlight the desired option and press ENTER. The following option

44ReferenceCreating WaypointsCreating and Using WaypointsThe Garmin GPSMAP 178/178C stores up to 3000 alphanumeric waypoints with a user-defined icon,

45ReferenceCreating Waypoints6. To manually enter a set of coordinates, highlight the coordinates and press ENTER, then use the ARROW KEYPAD to ente

46ReferenceCreating WaypointsAdditional Options For Creating WaypointsWaypoints may also be created by manually entering position coordinates through

47ReferenceCreating Waypoints4. Highlight the distance and/or bearing fields in the reference field and press ENTER. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to enter the

48ReferenceReviewing/Editing WaypointsWaypoint Review Page— Highlight ‘OK’ and press ENTER to exit/save changes.Changing a Waypoint symbol.Reviewing a

49ReferenceEditing WaypointsTo change the comment/position coordinates/depth/water temperature:1. Highlight the desired field and press ENTER.2. Us

ivIntroductionWarranty and Serial NumberThe Garmin GPSMAP 178/178C has no user-serviceable parts. and is fastened shut with screws. Any attempt to ope

50ReferenceWaypoint ListsMain Menu—Points TabWaypoint ListsThe GPSMAP 178/178C’s Main Menu Page features two waypoint submenu tabs, ‘User’ and ‘Proxim

51ReferenceWaypoint ListsFYou can also search for a waypoint by name:1. Highlight the name field and press ENTER.2. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to select the

52ReferenceWaypoint ListsTo add a proximity waypoint:1. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to highlight an empty space on the Proximity list and press ENTER. The

53ReferenceGoing to a DestinationGoing to a DestinationUsing the NAV key, the GPSMAP 178/178C provides three ways to navigate to a destination: Go To

54ReferenceGoing to a Destination/TracBack Navigation‘Go To MAP Point’ allows you to navigate to a spot on the map that is not a waypoint or map item.

55ReferenceTracBack Navigation2. Use the ARROW KEYPAD to select ‘Save’ and press ENTER.3. On the ‘Save Back Through’ window, highlight the desired t

56ReferenceTracBack Navigation/MOB: Man OverBoard• If the track log interval is set to the ‘Time’ option, the route may not follow your exact path (k

57ReferenceCreating a RouteRoutesThe last way to navigate to a destination is to create a user-defined route. The Garmin GPSMAP 178/178C lets you creat

58ReferenceCreating a Route/ Following a RouteTo create a route using text from the Route Review Page:1. Press the MENU key twice to display the Mai

59ReferenceRoute List Page2. Highlight the route you wish to navigate and press ENTER. 3. Choose ‘Activate’ or ‘Invert and Activate’ and press ENT

vIntroductionCapabilitiesDesigned for detailed electronic charting capability, the Garmin GPSMAP 178/178C Sounder is a powerful navigation device that

60ReferenceRoute Review PageRoute Review PageOnce you have created a route, the Route Review Page allows you to edit a selected route. To access the R

61ReferenceEditing Routes• Edit on Map — review and modify the route displayed for each point (waypoint or map item) on a map page. You may also use

62ReferenceEditing RoutesThe GPSMAP 178/178C’s route edit mode also allows you to insert a new route point in any route leg using the map cursor.To in

63ReferenceEditing Routes• Trip Planning — The Route Review and Active Route Pages also display trip-planning information for each leg or the entire

64ReferenceActive Route PageActive Route PageActive Route Page Menu OptionsActive Route PageWhenever you have activated a route in the GPSMAP 178/178C

65ReferenceFind KeyFind KeyThe FIND key allows you to search the unit for user waypoints, map items, and any optional BlueChart or MapSource informati

66ReferenceFind OptionsTo view details about an item:1. With the desired item highlighted in the search results list, press ENTER.2. An Information

67ReferenceMain Menu PageMain Menu PageThe GPSMAP 178/178C’s Main Menu Page provides access to various waypoint, system, navigation and interface mana

68ReferenceMain Menu: GPS Tab• Sonar – sets up Sonar Page features, speeds and calibrations. See pages 39.• Setup – defines System, Units, and Time

69ReferenceMain Menu: GPS TabWAAS CapabilityThe GPSMAP 178/178C is capable of receiving WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) satel-lite signals. WAAS

IGPSMAP 178/178C Sounder Standard and Optional TransducersUnit part numbers 010-00340-00 and 010-00340-01 include a single-frequency 200kHz, plastic,

70ReferenceMain Menu: GPS TabThe status field shows one of the following conditions:• Looking For Satellites – the receiver is looking for any satelli

71ReferenceMain Menu: GPS TabThe Differential SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) indicates, on a scale to 0-30db with 30db being the best, the strength of th

72ReferenceTide Tab— shows a graphical chart which displays tide station information in a 24 hour span starting at midnight. You can choose from diffe

73ReferenceMain Menu: Tide TabTide Station List Menu OptionsPress MENU on the Tide Station list to access additional search options. The ‘Nearest to N

74ReferenceTrip Tab— displays Trip Odometer, Moving Average Speed, Total Average Speed, Maximum Speed, Stopped Time, Moving Time, Total Time, and Odom

75ReferenceMain Menu— Active Track TabPoints Tab— contains the ‘User’ and ‘Proximity’ waypoint lists. See page 50.Route Tab— contains a list of availa

Reviewing a saved track76ReferenceMain Menu: Track TabSaved Submenu Tab— manages a list of any saved track logs, allows TracBack activation, map displ

77ReferenceMain Menu: DSC TabDSC Tab— allows to control and set up DSC (Digital Selective Calling) features on the unit.What is Digital selective call

78Main Menu: DSC TabReferenceHOW ARE MMSI ASSIGNMENTS OBTAINED?Non-commercial users (e.g. recreational users who remain in domestic waters and only ca

79Main Menu: DSC TabReferenceHOW CAN GARMIN HELP YOU WITH DSC?To receive Distress Calls or Position Reports, you must have a DSC-equipped chartplotter

viiIntroductionTable of ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iPreface/Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . .

80Main Menu: DSC TabReferenceDSC Call ListThe DSC Call List displays the current calls received. The GPS can manage up to 50 calls. When ‘calls’ are r

81Main Menu: DSC TabReferenceThere are two ways to add a new entry into the directory.To add a new Directory entry:1. Press Menu, then highlight ‘Ne

82Main Menu: DSC/Card TabsReferenceCard TabA user also has the ability to simulate a Distress Call or a Position Report on this page. This is helpful

83ReferenceMap Tab— contains setup options for the Map Page. See page 25.Hiway Tab— contains setup options for the Highway Page. See page 43.Temp (Tem

84ReferenceMain Menu: System Tab/ Units Tab Track Control* – ‘Auto Track’ steers to the current navigation point. ‘User Track’ allows you to enter

85ReferenceMain Menu: Units Tab• Map Datum – allows you to manually select the datum reference used to determine a given posi-tion. The default sett

86ReferenceMain Menu: Time/ Comm TabTime Submenu Tab— displays the current time and date, allows you to adjust the 12 or 24-hour time format, enter a

87ReferenceMain Menu: Comm TabPort 2:• Garmin DGPS – used to connect the GPSMAP 178/178C with a Garmin DGPS beacon receiver.• Other DGPS – allows

88ReferenceMain Menu: Comm TabTo restore the Serial Data Format settings to the default ‘Garmin Data Transfer’:1. From the Comm tab, press MENU, hig

89ReferenceMain Menu: Comm TabNMEA InterfaceIf you are going to interface the GPSMAP 178/178C with another piece of equipment (such as a radio or auto