Go Garmin!

Popular Mechanics just concluded its first-ever consumer brand survey to determine what consumer brands their readers preferred. Twenty-nine different product categories were included, with a minimum of five brand choices in each category.  Over 7,000 readers voted, and thanks to you, we were chosen the favorite GPS brand. Thank You!

As most Garmin customers know, we serve a plethora of markets and we do our best to give each of these markets the specialized attention it deserves. We strive to develop revolutionary products with features that are specific to that market. One of the many ways we do this is by having employees design, create, build and market products for industries they're passionate about. Forerunners are developed by runners, Zumos by motorcycle riders, chartplotters by boaters, avionics by pilots -- I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the idea. This Popular Mechanics award helps reiterate that we're on the right path, but don't worry, we won't rest on our laurels. We're determined to continue building products that make life a little easier and more enjoyable for our customers.

New Garmin marine products make a splash

Today Garmin announced a whole slew of new marine electronics that are sure to get mariners excited for the fall boat show season! In addition to new portrait chartplotters, Garmin is also introducing the new VHF 300 and VHF 300AIS marine radios, as well as the new xHD open-array radars - so you won't miss a thing on the water. Building upon the success and popularity of the GPSMAP 400 and 500 series, the new GPSMAP 4x1, 5x1 and 5x6 plotters feature a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for faster satellite acquisition, and an improved digital design for increased map drawing and panning speeds. The majority of these new units are also NMEA 2000 certified for plug-and-play system integration. Plus, the GPSMAP 5x6 series boasts a brilliant 5: VGA display which gives a sharp, clear picture - no matter the environment. Each unit is also available with sonar capability (designed by an "s" after the model number).

Ask Garmin: Updating your nüvi, zūmo or GPSMAP software

Some customers have asked us to follow-up about last week's mandatory software update decree, and they've specifically asked if all the new software has been released. The answer is a resounding YES! We have free software updates available for the nüvi 7x5 series, nüvi 800 series, nüvi 8x5 series, zūmo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640. Offering free software is something we regularly do and we've always recommend you update your GPS when new free software is available. However, last week was atypical because the software update was mandatory. If you own one of the GPS devices listed above and haven't experienced any problems acquiring a GPS signal, you still need to do the free software update. It's free and easy to do. All you need to do is visit our WebUpdater site, download the free WebUpdater application, follow the screen prompts, and it will do everything else for you.  

Learn your Garmin with the Garmin Learning Center

Have you ever wanted to see a Garmin product in action before you buy it? Or, maybe you're interested in tips and tricks about a device you already own? How about expanding your overall GPS knowledge?  If any of these scenarios sound familiar, the online Garmin Learning Center is for you. The Learning Center is the newest addition to Garmin.com, and is quickly becoming a popular place to visit because it's a one-stop resource for learning about Garmin products and all things GPS. Once you visit this site, you can watch short video snippets to learn more about your GPS. So far, the site features videos for the Forerunner 405, Edge 705, Approach G5 and Marine network. More videos will be coming soon, so you'll want to check back often.

Free, mandatory GPS software available now

Today, Garmin released a free, mandatory GPS software update to correct a software issue that has been discovered to cause select GPS devices to repeatedly attempt to update GPS firmware, and then either shut down or no longer acquire GPS satellite signals.  The products affected are the nüvi 7x5 series, nüvi 800 series, nüvi 8x5 series, zūmo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640.

Garmin nüvi 7x5 series products that are no longer able to acquire a GPS satellite signal may download a firmware update immediately that will correct the software issue. This firmware update may be downloaded using Garmin’s WebUpdater.

Firmware updates for other affected products will be available online through Garmin’s WebUpdater in the near future. Affected customers who have registered their GPS device will be notified about these updates through email.

Garmin nüvi 7x5 customers who are no longer able to power on their GPS device will need to visit www.garmin.com/support, and select the first FAQ titled “My nüvi 755T, 765T, 775T or 785T is giving me the message ‘Updating GPS Firmware’ or will no longer power on…” Customers will then need to follow the instructions to request a return authorization so that the device may be repaired under warranty.

We know our customers rely upon their Garmin GPS device(s), especially during the summer travel season, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused. We are committed to developing products that are known for their quality and reliability and will continue to work diligently to earn the trust of our customers.

Garmin helps land the big fish at SKA tourney

Summer is here and the tournament season is heating up! We were in Fernandina Beach, FL, last weekend for the 27th Annual Tournament of Champions Kingfish Tournament, an SKA sponsored event, where we heard from participants with Garmin equipment already on-board, and showed off our latest marine electronic offerings to skippers and other tourney goers alike. A typical boat at this tournament was a high-end center console in the 30-foot range with twin or triple outboards, but the winning boat for this tournament was a victory for the underdog - a 17-foot Boston Whaler (the smallest boat registered) with a single engine and a Garmin chartplotter/sonar combo unit on board. With its built-in digital sounder, the owner credited the GPSMAP 545s for getting him to the fishing spots and for helping him find the winning 48-pound fish! Have a look below at the winning fish, the owner's boat, and the Garmin booth displaying the equipment that helped land that prize-winning catch.  

 

Make the most of your Garmin with one-click

Have you ever noticed that it’s often the behind-the-scenes technologies that get little fanfare yet quietly catapult consumer electronics forward in terms of ease-of-use?

We think you’ll find the myGarmin Agent is that type of advancement. You’ll never see it on the front page of a newspaper, but we think you’re really going to like it because it makes interfacing with your Garmin products much easier. The myGarmin Agent works with all of Garmin’s newer devices and tells you when a Garmin device is plugged in to your computer, allowing one-click access to the new myDashboard at my.garmin.com.

With the myGarmin Agent installed on your computer, you will see a message in the lower right corner of your screen whenever you connect a Garmin device. Clicking the message box takes you to the myDashboard page the starting point for one-click software updates, map updates, and much more! You can also access the myDashboard page at any time by double-clicking the myGarmin Agent icon in your system tray.

The myGarmin Agent is unobtrusive so it can sit on your computer and you’ll never know it’s there until you need it. It’s the new starting place for all of your Garmin needs and gives you one-click access to almost everything you need for your Garmin, so download it today.

20-year stories: Garmin was his life preserver

In celebration of Garmin’s 20-year anniversary in 2009, we’re reaching back to the past to bring you stories from our younger years, including some memorable customer testimonials. This story comes from a couple of seamen whose Memorial Day 10 years ago was, well … more memorable than most. Here’s their story.

When Steve purchased his 29-foot sport fishing boat along with a business partner, he insisted that they spend a little more money on a GPS system. He chose a Garmin GPSMAP 230. Turns out that was a life-changing decision. Memorial Day weekend, 1999, Steve, Reese and four other friends spent a day fishing in the Gulf Stream off Charleston Harbor. As Reese walked to the boat's stern, he was pitched overboard, but no one heard his cries for help. Shirtless, and without a life jacket, he spent the longest 45 minutes of his life bobbing in the warm Gulf Stream waters.

my.Garmin.com: Get the latest and greatest for your GPS

We're at it again. We're figuring out ways to make your life easier, and we think we have another winner. This time we've created something for the GPS device you already own -- my.Garmin.com is a site where you can manage all there is to manage about your GPS. From registering your Garmin to downloading new maps to learning more about your specific GPS, my.Garmin.com is designed to be a helpful resource 24/7.

So, here's what you should do...
1. Visit http://my.Garmin.com.
2. Click on the second tab, myDashboard and follow the screen prompts
3. Connect your GPS to your computer through the USB port.
4. Be prepared to learn more about your GPS than you ever thought possible from one central location.

As soon as my.Garmin recognizes that a GPS device is connected to the computer, you can click on the second tab, myDashboard, and you'll see a picture of your devcie along with helpful information about your GPS like map updates and free software updates. myGarmin is completely tailored to you and your GPS, so take some time to explore and discover everything there is to know about your Garmin.

What to get Dads and Grads

Dads and Grads season is here, and hardworking dads and graduates deserve something cool for their big day. Forget about the pen and pencil set, it's time to think high-tech. If you're not sure if you should get your dad or grad a GPS for their car, golf cart, dog, wrist, boat, plane, motorcycle or bike, you're in luck. Editors all over the world are compiling and publishing lists of their favorite devices so you can pick the perfect gift. So far, PC Mag has named the nüvi as a top pick for graduates that are bound to get lost as they travel between home and college. According to PC Mag, one of the great things about the nüvi is that even entry-level models "offers a lot of bang for the buck and are excellent choices for the budget conscious."  The Approach G5 has also been make making many Father's Day gift guide lists because it will help dad improve his golf game and give him the ultimate competitive edge. Check our site for more great gift ideas.

Marine software 5.0: Are you updated?

It's no surprise that we take pride in not only releasing new products, but also in making improvements to our existing product line. Around here, we like to call it making great products even better. And recently, we announced a the Version 5.0 software update, a new free update for the GPSMAP 4000 and 5000 series chartplotters that brings numerous exiting new technologies and enhanced features to the chartplotter. The update will greatly improve drawing speeds for charts and will provide better map performance to give the user quicker access to the information they want and need the most with fewer keystrokes between screens. Continuous smooth between zoom levels and of the head-up presentation ensures the user will never lose sight of their location while zooming in and out for a more seamless navigation experience. Other highlights include improved 3D performance for those without a g2 Vision card, the ability to move a pointer around on the sonar image when paused and mark waypoints underwater, and improved autoguidance with better performance in shallow water and narrow channels.

This update is an easy update across your entire compatible marine network. Simply update your 4000 or 5000 plotter and the data will automatically reach the rest of the compatible Garmin marine network products, including sonar, radar and weather receivers...just in time for the summer boating season!

Garmin in the Kayak

Today we feature a guest post from outdoor writer and expert kayak fisherman Ric Burnley.  Ric contacted us several years ago about rigging his kayak with Garmin gear before we knew such a thing was even possible!

Think about the relationship between technology and sports.  Without key inventions, many sports would be impossible.  The invention of the wheel led to Formula 1 racing.  Who could have guessed that a pack of warriors fighting over a stuffed goat skin would end up playing soccer?  And football wouldn’t be as much fun without polypropylene for the helmet and pads. In fact, almost every sport owes its origins to a key invention. 

Kayak fishing is no different. Without the invention of the sit-on-top kayak, many anglers would not be able to fish out of these versatile boats.  And, without advancements in electronics, many kayak anglers would not be able to take their sport to the extreme. 

I started kayak fishing shortly after the dawn of the sport, when guys were still bastardizing existing boats into kayak fishing machines. Just like their boat-bound brothers, kayak fishermen won’t leave the dock without taking every advantage.  So, I pimped out an Ocean Kayak Prowler with rod holders, tackle boxes, and electronics and charged the waters around my hometown, Virginia Beach, VA.

At first I targeted speckled trout, flounder, and schoolie rockfish, but soon I turned my attention towards bigger game such at cobia, big red drum, and trophy rockfish.  As I set my sights higher and higher, it became more and more important to have high-quality gear that was reliable and accurate.  At first I burned through fishfinders and GPS units like a NASCAR team goes through tires.  Then I picked up a Garmin 250 fishfinder and 76Cx GPS and the same units are on the bow of my boat today.

Garmin's East Texas Tour

The days are getting longer and warmer, and for anglers, that can only mean one thing: the fishing will be starting to heat up in no time!  To whet your appetite for Mr. Bucketmouth, here's a clip of a recent trip we took with Americana Outdoors' Wade Middleton to two great East Texas fisheries: Conroe and Sam Rayburn.  And it was a trip that we truly couldn't have done without Garmin.  On the water, the brilliant touchscreen GPSMAP 5208 provided pinpoint-accurate charts and sonar information.  And our nuvi was never far away when we decided to make that quick hop between lakes.

Click here to view the show.

Chicago Store: Gearing up for boating season

It’s almost time to bring the boats back out! With this year’s boating season just right around the corner, Garmin newest marine electronics, the GPSMAP 620, GPSMAP 640, and the GWS 10are boating and sailing essentials! These new units work as a true chartplotter on water, and effortlessly switch into automotive mode when you're ready to pack up and hit the road. Preloaded with US coastal charts and North American street maps, the GPSMAP 640 is also compatible with XM WX satellite weather data andXM NavTraffic for the ultimate in situational awareness. With a 5.2 inch, sunlight readable screen, the transition between water and land navigation is easier than ever. Also available for this spring’s boat launch is the GWS 10, Garmin’s first wind sensor that provides essential wide speed and direction data to those on the water. Curious to see the new devices? We have a wind sail next to the GWS 10 in the front window so you can be one of the first to test it out. Come on by the Garmin Chicago store and try out Garmin’s newest marine electronics as you prepare to get your boat in shape for the water this year!

GRMN's Fourth Quarter Results

Garmin reported its fourth quarter results today.  Click here for the report and join the conference call at 11:00 a.m ET here.

Making a splash in Miami

Today wraps up one of the biggest boat shows in the world - the Miami International Boat Show- where the Garmin booths have been busy since the show doors opened! In one aisle of the convention center, pleasure boaters, captains, fishermen, yachtsmen and more, stopped by to see Garmin's revolutionary 15", 12" and 8" touchscreen chartplotter displays, high-definition radar capabilities and stand-alone combo units. Two aisles over, the GHP 10 Autopilot with its patented Shadow Drive technology was on display alongside the newest portable plotter for land and sea - the GPSMAP 640, and newly announced VHF radios. Garmin gear could also be spotted on display from boat manufacturers such as EdgeWater, Scout and Zodiac just to name a few. From the first VHF 100 install on the new EdgeWater 33' Express, to a sea trial with the autopilot and more, take a look below for a taste of the show.

  

Fish Like A Cajun: Using Garmin to Navigate the Louisiana Bayous

Last summer, we had the enviable task of joining Americana Outdoors show host Wade Middleton on a fishing trip to Grand Isle, Louisiana.  To get to this sportsman's paradise, you head south out of New Orleans and pretty much drive until you run out of land and hit the Gulf of Mexico.  Among other species, the area is known for its world class redfish and tarpon fishing.  It's also known as a frequent target of Gulf hurricanes, having been decimated by Katrina, Rita, and most recently, Gustav, which blew through just a few weeks after we were there.

For our trip, the weather wasn't nearly that bad, but it wasn't very good, either.  30 mile-an-hour winds made for some rough offshore waters in our relatively small bay boat.  After consulting our XM WX weather on our GPSMAP 5212 touchscreen chartplotter, we decided the smartest thing to do was go inland to calmer waters and fish the area's massive expanse of bayous.

The gambit worked, and we were treated to some excellent fishing.  But we couldn't have done it without the eye-poppingly detailed BlueChart g2 marine cartography embedded in the unit and supplemented by a g2 Vision card.  While the area's frequent hurricanes have literally rearranged the area, our charts (shown above) were vital in navigating us through narrow canals and into productive ponds -- not to mention getting us back to the marina at the end of the day.

Click here to see the show.

Ask Garmin: Getting to know your gift

Many of you followed the advice of our holiday commercials and chose to "Give-a Give-a Give-a-Garmin" to your loved ones this holiday season. And now a whole new generation of Garmin owners want to get acquainted with their nüvi or Astro or Forerunner or Edge or Oregon or GPSMap or Mobile software or ... well, we could go on for a while.

The easiest way to learn about your new Garmin is to turn it on, go outside so that it can find the satellites and then play around with it. But if you're stuck indoors (or at work) and you want to see your new GPS device in action, we have solutions on our Garmin Buzz page. There you can find the handiwork of our interactive team, who has created minisites and online demos to introduce you to the technology. The crown jewel of the Buzz page is the Land of Oregon minisite. This highly interactive - and addictive - minisite introduces you to the Oregon touchscreen handheld in ways no owner's manual or blog can. There are also specific product demos as well as informative minisites for our Marine Network, the G600 glass cockpit and Garmin Mobile solutions.

Chart your course for our Marine Minisite

As the Garmin Marine Network product line-up keeps expanding, so do the possibilities on-board. This waterproof plug-and-play network connects MFDs, sonar, radar, communications and weather - putting important data to boater's fingertips. And to make navigating the network easier for mariners of all types, the new interactive marine networking minisite has just set sail! With a host of featured products including the new GPSMAP 5000 series, the GWS 10 wind sensor and GHP 10 Autopilot System among others, boaters can use the Network Configurator to find the best solution that fits their needs - and vessel size. So if you're curious about a new product, or want to find out how the GMN can help you, don't be left ashore - stop by the new marine minisite and take a look around. We think you'll like what you see!

Garmin helps catch the big ones at SKA

We just returned from the Southern Kingfish Association 2008 Nationals in Biloxi, Mississippi, and although we didn't bring home a prize winning fish, we did bring home a lot of pictures (a close second to a prize winning fish, right?). On the water, the fisherman battled really tough weather and harsh conditions. It was a battle just to get on the water, but these guys didn't let that stop them from reeling in the big one. With such harsh conditions, many guys relied on their GDL-30A for XM WX Satellite Weather data delivering sea surface temperatures and Fishbytes fish location data. Click here to see the winning Mackerel in the Open Class and Class of 23.

While we let the pros take to the water, we kept pretty busy at the tournament, too. When we weren't showing and answering questions about our marine products at the booth, we were off recording tutorials aboard a 33-foot Contender equipped with twin GPSMAP 5212s and the GHC 10 Autopilot System. When we walked the docks, we saw a lot of Garmin HD radar domes, and found many boats equipped with the new GPSMAP 4200 and 5200 series MFDS. One of our favorite parts of the tournament however, was hearing testimony from fishermen who stopped by to tell us about how Garmin is helping them on the water. Great job to the fishermen aboard the over 300 boats who made it out despite the conditions, and congratulations to the winners!

 

On the water at METS 2008

Today kicked off the world's largest trade exhibition of marine equipment and accessories for the leisure marine and small commercial craft sector, and the Garmin booth at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) has been busy all morning and afternoon! The GPSMAP 620 and VHF 100i and 200i are on display in the booth and have been drawing quite the crowd, and many are curious about the new BlueChart g2 chart offerings we announced yesterday. Garmin's BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision will now offer even more dimension and information to these detailed charts, and users will benefit from improved transition between zoom levels and seamless changes across chart boundaries. Show goers are excited to learn how BlueChart g2 with 3-D maps and rich detail and content and BlueChart g2 with satellite imagery, Auto Guidance technology and aerial photos can enhance any on-the-water excursion. We hope our friends across the pond have a great rest of the show!

Happy Birthday, Garmin Chicago store!

Today we're celebrating the two year anniversary of Garmin's Chicago retail store located on the city's "Magnificent Mile." This three-story, 15,000 square foot space is the world's first and only retail outlet dedicated to GPS navigation and showcases products from each of the markets we serve: automotive/mobile, outdoor/rec, fitness, marine and aviation. Similar to, we might add, our new Holiday Guide, and latest "One for All" holiday commercial! The Chicago store is a unique opportunity to offer customers a high-tech, high-touch shopping experience and is a great way to experience and use all of our most popular devices under one roof. So the next time you're in the windy city, be sure to stop by and take a look around - the store offers hands-on product demos, interactive kiosks and in-depth product training and seminars. Happy Birthday once again to the Chicago store and special thanks to the store's employees for their dedication to great customer service. Here's to another great year!

Gift guides galore!

It's beginning to look a lot like the gift-giving season around here. If you're putting your list together (and checking it twice) or shopping around for gifts for others, our Holiday Guide is here to help. From the recently announced nüvi 765T with lane assist and lifetime traffic, to the Edge 705 cycling computer to the Fishfinder 400C that's ready for freshwater and saltwater fishing - Garmin has something for everyone! But don't take our word for it. The crew at CNET has also put the nüvi 880 at the top of their holiday gift guide this year, calling it "one of the best GPS we've tested to date." So stop by our Holiday Guide if you haven't already and find the GPS that's right for you. And in case you need a little inspiration, our newest "Give-a-Garmin" holiday commercials can be found there, too!

No, you are not seeing double...

...you are seeing quintuple! That really is 5 Mercury 350 HP engines on the back of this Midnight Express 39ft Open from the 2008 Ft Lauderdale Boat Show. This boat is designed for high performance and built to the highest standards, so naturally the manufacturer chose to install Garmin chartplotters on the dashboard. Twin 5215 displays combined with our GSD 22 digital sonar box made almost as many heads turn to see the displays as did all those engines on the transom. Midnight Express wanted the most user friendly plotters and chose Garmin’s touchscreens to fit the bill. The huge 15” sunlight readable displays make it so easy to see and use the built in detailed charts. With the addition of a BlueChart g2 Vision card, the plotters can even suggest the safest route to your favorite fishing hole automatically. The Vision cards even take into account the draft of your boat when making the routing decision to keep you out of the skinny water. 

So keep an eye out on the water for this incredible Midnight Express with 1750 horsepower and 30” of Garmin plotters...that's sure to be turning heads no matter where she goes!

Garmin holiday commercials have arrived

In case you didn't catch our new holiday commercial spots yesterday during your favorite football game, here's your chance to see the fun and sing along. Building off of our previous commercials, you'll hear the popular "Give-a-give-a-give-a Garmin" tune and see some of your favorite Garmin products in action. Whether you're a commuter on a motor scooter, in spandex on a bike, on a long jog or out for some hiking, we've got great gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season. And, in case you need some help selecting what to get that special someone, our Gift Guide is filled with our favorite gadgets that are sure to please. So, without any further ado, check out "One For All" and "Coffee Shop" below and see some of the many benefits of giving the gift of Garmin this holiday...

Garmin Hits Lauderdale

Things are underway here in sunny Ft. Lauderdale! The show started in the yachting hub of the universe at 10 this morning and has been busy ever since. The GPSMAP 640 is on display and has created quite the buzz with its intuitive automotive and marine operating systems. This all-in-one navigator is unique to the market as it operates as a true nuvi by land, and a dedicated chartplotter by sea. Of course many folks are stopping by the booth to see our huge, ultra-bright touchscreen GPSMAP 4000 and GPSMAP 5000 chartplotters with networking capabilities, and intrigued with the enhancement the BlueChart g2 Vision card brings to the screen.

Outside of the electronics tent, Garmin gear can be found around the piers. We walked one pier this morning, and found Garmin 5212s and 5215s on seven different vessels – the Maritimo c60, Queenship 60, Island Pilot and Sabre 42 just to name a few. To top things off, we spent some time aboard the Queenship 60, who in addition to two 5212s, comes equipped with the GHP 10 Autopilot System. If you're in the neighborhood, come see us!

Autopilot now shipping and on display at FLIBS!

The Garmin crew is migrating south this week where you'll find us proudly displaying our impressive line of marine electronics at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Oct. 30-Nov. 3. While others are trick-or-treating for Halloween this weekend, we'll be showing off some treats of our own at the world's largest boat show... including the GWS 10 wind sensor, the GPSMAP 640 and VHF radios just to name a few. We also announced today, that our GHP 10 Autopilot is now shipping, and are excited to show it off at the booth as well. The show is open to the public, so if you're in the area, stop by and see us - we're in the electronics tent at Bahia Mar, booth #1305. Once things get kicked off tomorrow, stay tuned for more scenes from the show!

Chicago Store: GPS treats

It's almost Halloween and everyone’s getting ready to have a sweet holiday weekend. And in the spirit of Halloween, the Garmin store has a few treats in place for our customers, too. Now until Friday, customers can still get a Fishfinder 400C with the $50 rebate! In addition, the Astro DC 30 rebate was extended until the end of the year, so if you're looking to get the DC 30 (for yourself, or maybe as a gift for your favorite hunter) and already have a DC 20; hurry in while the rebate still stands. In addition to these, there are also a lot of great gift ideas at the store for any of you pre-holiday shoppers looking to avoid the long lines that will be starting in a few weeks. And, as another treat, we will be offering FREE open training seminars at the Garmin store starting soon, so keep your eyes on the store’s site for more details. Until next week, have a great holiday weekend and stay safe!

-Garmin Guru

An in-depth look at Garmin sonar

A few weeks ago we showed you a video that highlighted some sonar basics, and as promised, we have cued up a couple more videos with an in-depth look at the detailed data a sonar module can add to your compatible Garmin chartplotter over the the Garmin Marine Network. Powerful and ready to work for you, the GSD 22 is a dual frequency, ultra scroll digital remote sonar with ultra-fast refresh rates and deep water performance. If you've already got a sonar box set up in your boat, or - if you're interested in seeing what a Garmin sounder can do for you, watch the video below to learn more. We still have a few more of these videos in the can - and if there's something on (or something you're considering putting on) your boat that you'd like to learn more about, let us know -- and we'll do our best to show you the ropes!

VHF radios make debut at NMEA

After we announced the new line of Garmin marine radios on Tuesday, the VHF 100 and 200 made their first show debut at the NMEA Convention in San Diego yesterday. These radios boast a large 3.2-inch display - the largest in its class - and offer 25 watts of transmit power. With three soft keys, boaters can intuitively see and select information they want, while the Position Tracking feature simultaneously allows users to track of up to three other boats. The show just started, but there's already been a big buzz in the booth around these powerful communicators!

GPS Magazine makes a splash with nüvi 500

While we're certainly known for our rough and rugged gear, the crew at GPS Magazine recently took matters into their own hands and test our new nüvi 500. This rough-and-tumble nüvi is the prefect adventure-seeker with street map data, preloaded U.S. topographic maps, and a whole lot more. And when we mentioned the nüvi 500 was also waterproof to IPX7 standards, GPS Magazine decided to do a bit of semi-scientific research. They dropped the waterproof multi-mode nüvi 500 and a waterproof watch into an aquarium - waited 30 minutes - and reported the results. Of course, they also recorded the whole thing for your viewing pleasure. Now, if your nüvi 500 is underwater for this length of time, you may have bigger problems to worry about and we don't really recommend this - we'd rather you spent more time exploring with your nüvi 500 instead of submerging your nüvi 500. But it's still good to know that an occasional downpour won't leave you high and dry when you're out and about.

Watch weather with Garmin on CBS' Early Show

Your weekend weather forecast will come courtesy of Garmin, if you're watching The Early Show this Saturday on CBS. Brian Brawdy is a big fan of Garmin's nav gear, and he's touring the United States in a "Green RV" with the GPSMAP 5208, which can display (among other things) some amazingly detailed weather data. Brian will be using his GPSMAP 5208 and GDL 30A to tell CBS' viewers what to expect in their forecast. Click on the screen below to see a TV report on his high-tech ride.

Alton Brown Makes Waves With Garmin

In case you missed it, the Food Network aired the first installment last night of Feasting on Waves, Alton Brown's culinary journey through the Caribbean.  Alton is probably best known for his show Good Eats, but he's done a couple of other very entertaining "Feasting" series on motorcycle.

So what's this got to do with Garmin?  A lot, actually.  It turns out Alton is a big fan of Garmin.  We sent him the venerable StreetPilot 2820 during his first series, and he used a Colorado 400C loaded with a BlueChart g2 card of the Caribbean to find his way around this time.  It turns out Alton is a card-carrying techie -- check out Gizmodo's weekend feature on the man.

And tune in every Sunday night at 10p.m. Eastern to the Food Network to catch the latest installment of our favorite cook's Caribbean culinary quest.

A look under your boat: Sonar made simple

For eyes above and below your boat, the GSD 22 is an all-star co-pilot. This digital sounder provides high-speed data returns and super-crisp detail that will lead you to your next big fish. Compatible with many Garmin chartplotters, the data from the GSD 22 is displayed on a GPSMAP 5208 on the video below. For a taste at what kind of underwater activity the 22 shows mariners, and how it can help you on the water, take a look at this "Sonar Basics" video we put together. Then check back next week for two more advanced tutorials we have in the works. See you then!

GPS marine chart basics part 2

With boat show season just around the corner, last week we showed you the first of many new marine training videos we have in the works. Here is another look at some Garmin chartplotter basics explored to help illustrate what a stand-alone plotter can do for you on the water. But check back soon - we have another series of videos that show these powerful displays in action with the addition of sonar.

GPS marine chart basics explored

If you're a weekend warrior who is thinking about getting a marine navigation device for your boat, or if you spend your week days on the water and want to know a little bit more about what your Chartplotter can tell you, we've put together some videos to help you become more familiar with what these units are capable of. The video below uses a GPSMAP 5208, one of Garmin's newest touchscreen MFDs, to walk you through some of the basics. Check out the video below, and stay tuned...there's more where that came from!

   

A perfect fit....

Take a look at this great installation on a Cape Horn 36 out of St. Petersburg, FL: twin GPSMAP 5215 displays that fit perfectly on the dashboard...it looks like they were made for that space! These displays are HUGE, 15" diagonal screens that let the owner see what ever he wants - GPS, radar, sonar or live XM weather on either screen. When we went for a test run the XM weather was incredible; showing rain and storms to the north, we had just enough time to make sure everything was working fine. The GMR 18HD radar worked great as a stand alone radar and looked even better with the radar/chart overlay. The new HD radars are incredible... we actually picked up a few pelicans that flew in for a visit, and we were pinging boats and buoys with ease. The customer also chose the TR-1 Autopilot to help him drive straight as an arrow as he heads offshore to his favorite fishing hole. He even selected a Garmin GPSMAP 440 as a stand alone unit to provide his Digital Selective Calling enabled VHF Radio with position data. The new software release available for all 4000 and 5000 series, Version 4.10, provides a ton of new features for the units. It also allows the user to customize the screen a bit more and see the information that they want to see. Download the new software for free from Garmin onto an SD card and drop it into your own unit to see the improvements for yourself. 

Overall this is an incredible fishing machine, and I know the customer is looking forward to a great summer of fun!

Thanks to Travis and the team at Quality T-Tops in Tarpon Springs for the invite on board, and to Peter the proud owner of the new boat.

MOB = Mouse on Board!

Why would a customer pay good money to get a mouse on his boat? Well, for one customer in Jacksonville, FL, it made perfect sense to do so with his brand new Mainship 40 trawler. The owner wanted to be able to see his radar, sonar, GPS and live XM weather at both his upper and lower helm stations. The upper helm was an easy decision - twin GPSMap 5208 touch screen displays flush mounted into the dashboard to put full control at his fingertips. The lower helm was a bit harder - the owner wanted large monitors to be able to see the navigational screens from afar. He also wanted to be able to swivel the displays so he could see them from anywhere in the salon. To make his idea a reality, he purchased two 17" monitors and connected the 5208s to the monitors via VGA cables. Now he was able to see what was on the 5208 screen at the upper helm on the monitors at the lower helm. Slick! Then the owner purchased Garmin’s wireless RF mouse and wirelessly paired it with both displays. Now he can sit in the comfort (and air conditioning) of the main salon, use the mouse to control the 5208s above him, and see everything on the monitors below. Really slick! The wireless mouse gives full control of the 5208s - navigate, create waypoints, zoom or pan the map, just like you were touching the screen. And it’s as easy to use as your home computer.

So the next time you hear someone say "I've got a mouse on my boat!"... ask them if it's a Garmin.

Thanks to Chris Hutton at Hutton’s Custom Marine Electronics in Jacksonville, FL, for showing us his great work. And thanks to Josh, the owner, for inviting us aboard. 

Garmin teams with Kansas Lottery for great prizes

Garmin has teamed up with the Kansas Lottery for some extra special prize incentives this summer! In stores now, the $2 Garmin game offers players a chance to win up to $10,000 instantly. But if lady luck isn't on your side the first time around, fear not; the fun doesn't stop there. Players can also enter their non-winning Garmin tickets in a pair of second-chance drawings to win one of 20 Garmin merchandise packages.

So while we wish you the best as you take your shot at $10K, the second-chance drawings are our favorite part. We're excited because these package themes cater to all types of Garmin fans. On the Road, On the Trail, Onto Fitness or On the Water... there's definitely something in these prize packages for everyone! Good luck and happy playing!

   

Garmin by Water, Garmin by Land: A Frog's Worst Nightmare

Earlier this week, we were down in East Texas to tape a fishing show for Wade Middleton's Fishing and Hunting Texas.  The plan seemed simple enough: meet at Lake Conroe, catch a few largemouth on topwater plastic frog baits, and be done with it.  Of course, in fishing, seldom do things work as planned.

Conroe was unfamiliar to us, but we used the 8-inch touchscreen GPSMAP 5208 loaded with detailed Inland Lakes Vision maps on Wade's Ranger to help pinpoint the areas where bucketmouths were most likely to be hiding.  What we hadn't planned on was stifling, sticky, 90-plus degree weather that was as tough on the fish as it was on us.  As a result, after nearly a day of fishing, we had landed just two fish -- hardly a successful day by any measure, and certainly not enough to make an action-packed fishing show.

Consulting the 5208's XM WX Satellite Weather data, we quickly learned the forecast wasn't going to get any better, either.  Faced with this dilemma, Wade made an executive decision: road trip!  Click on the jump to learn the rest.

.

.

Garmin Through and Through

We love it when our customers tell us how much they like Garmin by purchasing and outfitting an entire boat with Garmin products.  Especially when they already owned Garmin units to begin with!

This owner of a Sunseeker 47 near Clearwater, Florida liked the Garmin 5212 units so much that he had a new dashboard built to accommodate the screens. He also liked the rugged simplicity and performance of the TR-1/Garmin autopilot and had that installed as well.   

Prior to the new installation, this customer loved his GPSMAP 3010 units, but decided to upgrade because of the 5212's simplified user interface and touchscreen.  With the new units, creating a waypoint and navigating to a destination is as easy as touching the screen.  There's no need to find the waypoint button, because the waypoint button finds YOU when you touch the screen. 

Seeing is Believing: Hi-Def Radar

Recently, one of our marine experts had a chance to make a head-to-head comparison of conventional versus high-definition radar.  Hi-def incorporates high-powered digital signal processing, which is a fancy way of saying it gives you sharper radar images and improved target separation.

We compared our GMR 41 and our newer GMR 24 HD... and the results speak for themselves.  Even to the untrained eye, it's easy to see that the GMR 24 HD shows clearer and cleaner targets -- which is really what matters most to any boater.

Jake's Journal: Quick Tips for Geocaching

Whenever I mention geocaching to someone, I get one of two reactions. People have either tried it and enjoyed it, or they've never heard of it. Most of the conversations fall into the first category. But for those of you who are unfamiliar with the activity, here are a few helpful links and recent stories to introduce you to this worldwide phenomenon.

To get started, click here for a Geocaching primer, including which Garmin devices work well. Then move on to geocaching.com and learn about everything that this site has to offer - including locations of more than a half-million caches of various size and content. Next, read these stories about a crash course in Daytona Beach; a family outing in Oregon; and aquatic adventures along the Great Lakes. (And check out the Lakeland Boating link for a chance to win a Garmin Colorado!)

Garmin Helps Save the Manatees

Garmin is the first GPS company to post "manatee zones" on its navigational charts of Florida, in an effort to keep boat propellers from harming the blubbery beasts and their habitat.  We worked with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program's Manatee Awareness Coalition to compile the data, and it's now available pre-loaded and free of charge on any new Garmin chartplotter.

In addition, we're including data for posted homeland security zones (military installations and the like) in Florida... which could potentially save your own bacon.

Chicago Store: Harbor hoopla

For the mariners here in Chicago, today is more than just the day their taxes must be filed with the IRS. The 15th of April also signifies the unofficial start of boating season for the Windy City crowd. Most of the major harbors here in Chicago are owned and controlled by the Chicago Park District, and they are not open year-round. So while the "Official" opening of the Harbors isn't until May 1, the Park district allows many boaters to access their slips starting April 15. There are four major harbors near the Garmin store on Michigan Avenue: Monroe Harbor, DuSable Harbor, Diversey Harbor, and Belmont Harbor. Those of you familiar with the former Meigs Field may remember DuSable Harbor, which sits between the former lakefront airport and Lakeshore Drive. With all of the harbors and breakwaters around the Chicago shores, a high-tech Garmin Chartplotter - such as the new GPSMAP 5215 - will certainly help you find your way. For those of you without charting for Lake Michigan, grab region 2US016R in either regular Bluechart format or on a pre-loaded G2 card, and you'll be navigating in no time. If you need a Garmin datacard loaded or need to update your pre-loaded chartplotter, we have the capability to do that right in the store. If you're in the area and would like to have this done, give us a call here at the store and we'll be happy to assist. Happy Boating!
   

Photographers focus on GPSMAP 60CSx

As the days get longer and warmer, outdoor enthusiasts are hitting the trails and planning summer adventures. And whether you're hiking, climbing, running, cycling, boating or geocaching, there's a Garmin device perfect for your excursion. The recently released Colorado series has been dominating the discussion lately, but don't forget about the GPSMAP family. Before the Colorado 400t came on the scene, the GPSMAP 60CSx set the standard for excellence in outdoor handhelds.

"As soon as you hold the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx you are aware of the fact that it is a high quality product," writes Dennis Hissink in his review for PMA, an international group of photography experts. "The waterproof and shockproof housing not only feels solid but also has a perfect hand-fit." And if anyone can offer credible praise for the display on the 60CSx, it would be these well-trained eyes: "The large 1.5 inch x 2.2 inch TFT monitor stands out and is a 256 colour high resolution reflective colour monitor."

Click here for a comparison of the GPSMAP 60CSx and the Colorado 400t, choose the one that's best for you - and then head to the great outdoors!

Jake's Journal: Rino, Colorado visit New Hampshire

Days like this I'm reminded of how many different people in different places (in different climates) turn to Garmin devices to make their lives easier. Last month, I was on a sailboat soaking in the 80-degree breezes of Miami while we were being guided by Garmin chartplotters and other marine products. This week I'm in New Hampshire, where I was greeted by temps in the 40s and mounds of snow. Why? Two reasons: the Rino 530HCx and Colorado 400t, two of our many outdoor handhelds that thrive on the slopes of ski country.

I'm joining snowsports journalists to discuss the many ways GPS technology can lend a hand during winter activities. From keeping track of your friends on the mountain to finding your way back to the lodge, Garmin's high-sensitivity handhelds can keep the focus on having fun and getting some exercise. This week, these snow-goers will see the Rino or Colorado in action, enjoying the Rino's two-way radio and "buddy tracking" functions, or checking out the Colorado's U.S.-wide preloaded topo maps that jump to life amid the snow-capped mountains around us. And at the welcome reception, I heard stories about guests finding the resort with a nüvi or hitting the trails with an eTrex. Warms my heart and almost makes me forget that sailboat. Almost.

Awards are a breeze for MFDs

In Miami and elsewhere, our multifunction displays are getting a lot of love. In fact, our new multi-function displays landed SAIL's 2008 Freeman K. Pittman Innovation Award in the electronics category. These MFDs take all the tools that mariners would want and incorporate innovative ideas from our automotive devices. And with a wide range of prices and sizes - and premium features such as high-def radar and touchscreen displays - there really is a chartplotter for every boat and budget!

Garmin wins Kansas' business award

At Garmin, we take a lot of pride in what we do. And it's moments like these, that we're glad we have the opportunity to share it with others. Tonight we're pleased to have the honor of receiving the Ad Astra Award by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's 2008 annual dinner. This prestigious award is given for business and civic excellence throughout the state. "The Ad Astra Award is the state business community's highest honor presented to a business that exemplifies excellence," Kansas Chamber President and CEO Amy Blankenbiller said. Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible!   

Jake's Journal: I couldn't pass up this sail

I was reminded today just how much I love my job. There's officially no better way to spend a Friday afternoon than on a sailboat off the coast of Miami in 80-degree weather with Garmin devices (and a good breeze) removing any trace of stress. Captain Karen and Ray, good friends of Garmin, showed us how to properly wrap up a workweek. They also showed my colleague Steve how to crank up the jib. Little did he know when he volunteered that it was one of the few strenuous tasks of the afternoon. But even several minutes of heavy cranking couldn't make him cranky. Each of us then took a turn behind the steering wheel (yep, that's me at the helm) as Captain Karen kept watch. We waved at fellow boaters who were excited to see the Garmin banners flapping in the wind. And all the while, our chartplotter, Colorado 400c and high-def radar kept us cruising in style.