NMEA 0183 Sentences Available on the GPSMAP 276Cx

The GPSMAP® 276Cx handheld can output NMEA 0183 data for interfacing with various pieces of marine equipment to send GPS information and waypoint data as an example of the types of data that are shared. Below is a list of sentences that are output* by these devices. NMEA 0183 sentence can be output or input (sent/received). Below is a list of the output (send) NMEA 0183 sentences and their purposes, compare this list to the marine device it will be connected to verify that the other unit will input (receive) the data.  The first two letters designate that they are Garmin proprietary and ignored when comparing to another manufactured unit. The last three digits are universal for the NMEA 0183 sentence. 

• GPRMC - Recommended minimum Navigation Information, Time - sentence created only by the GPS based on the data received only by the receiver
• GPRMB - Recommended minimum Navigation Information, (Position to/from waypoint) in a navigation sentence would combine GPS with coordinates of the waypoint
• GPGGA - Global Positioning System Fix Data - quality and number of satellites to the fix position
• GPGLL - Geographic Position, Latitude/Longitude
• GPBOD - Bearing, origin to destination
• GPBWC - Bearing and distance to waypoint
• GPVTG - Track Made Good & Ground Speed
• GPXTE - Measured Cross Track Error
• PGRME - Estimated Position error
• PGRMZ - Altitude information
• PGRMM - Map Datum Sentence
• HCHDG - Compass output

The autopilot mode on the device interface enables only the following sentences:

• GPRMC - Recommended minimum specific GPS/transit data
• GPRMB - Recommended minimum navigation information when destination to waypoint is active
• GPAPB - Autopilot B, sentence
• GPXTE - Cross-track error

To access the NMEA settings on your device:

1. Press Menu twice to open the main menu
2. Scroll down to Setup
3. Scroll right to the System tab
4. Scroll down to Interface and press Enter
5. Select NMEA In/Out
6. Press Menu
7. Select Advanced NMEA Setup

Under the NMEA sentences, you can toggle three groups on and off.

1. GSA, GSV:  GPGSA AND GPGSV
2. WPL,RTE: GPRTE AND GPWPL
3. GRMN Proprietary: PGRME, PGRMM, AND PGRMZ

The Heading, Deviation, and Variation (HDG) sentence contains the compass heading. The Altitude (PGRMZ) sentence contains the barometric altitude.

For further information regarding the interface options, please consult the owner's manual.

*Some NMEA sentences may require a software update. See related content for assistance updating your device.