Getting Started with Garmin OnDeck

Select a topic for more information:

• General Overview of Installation of the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub, Features, Capabilities & What's Included

• Compatible Garmin Chartplotters & Enabling/Disabling Digital Switches with a Garmin Chartplotter

• Registering, Updating and Pairing the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub

• General Information & Troubleshooting of Data Reported via 3G/4G to the ActiveCaptain® app

In addition to the information in this FAQ, below is a short video that covers how to get the OnDeck™ system running, activating the subscription, and covers configuring switches and more:

General Overview of Installation of the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub, Features, Capabilities & What's Included

Once installed, the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub works with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app, and requires a monthly or annual subscription¹. The GTB 10 OnDeck Hub Installation Instructions also provides guidance for properly installing the OnDeck Hub. In addition to this documentation, a short video below provides additional guidance:

The OnDeck Hub can then be used to track & monitor vessel position or movement, with information such as vessel speed, vessel maximum speed over time, moving average speed and more. The OnDeck Hub will also control up to 5 relayed switches², and provide status alerts & notifications to ActiveCaptain, on up to 30 security sensors.

When connected to a network with a compatible Garmin Chartplotter³ via Marine Network, the vessel operator will have on the water control over the same relayed switches managed in ActiveCaptain.

With ActiveCaptain, the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub can be used to remotely monitor the status of various accessories, such as security sensors, shore power status, battery voltage(s), GPS heading of the vessel, temperature on the vessel and more.

Beyond monitoring vessel status, ActiveCaptain can be setup to alert the vessel operator if the vessel moves beyond a designated boundary (geo-fence), if the temperature becomes excessively hot or cold, if the battery voltage is too low, if the bilge pump remains active for more than 5 seconds, or if the security sensors have been activated.

The GTB 10 OnDeck Hub ⁴ includes 1 of the following of each:

• • Security sensor

  • Temperature sensor

  • Shore power sensor

  • Relay switch 12 Vdc

  • In/Out data cable (19-pin) for monitor sensors and relay status

¹ The subscriptions available utilize 3G or 4G cellular data and are available only through Garmin in monthly or annual plans. The purpose of this cellular data connection is for relaying system status alerts/notifications, as well as to remotely enable or disable relayed switches. The cellular connection cannot be used to remotely control or view the chartplotter, and it cannot be used to view wired or wireless cameras.

NOTE: Garmin's agreement with cellular providers allows the OnDeck Hub to seamlessly connect to all AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint & Verizon's 3G & 4G data networks.

² The GTB 10 OnDeck Hub is bundled with a 12Vdc relay switch. Switching for 24Vdc systems requires part number: 010-13009-0. For a list of what is included with the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub, see General Overview of Installation of the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub, Features, Capabilities & What's Included .

³ A compatible Garmin Chartplotter must be configured for wireless access at the time the OnDeck hub is plugged in for first use; otherwise the GTB 10 OnDeck hub's wireless network will need to be configured as if it were a stand-alone product. If the OnDeck Hub is on the network with one or more Garmin Chartplotters, it will serve as the host, be the main wireless access point. There is no way to prevent the GTB 10 from serving as the main access point.

⁴ The GTB 10 also includes the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub itself, a power cable, Garmin Marine Network cable, a NMEA 2000 drop cable, and NMEA 2000 T-connector.

NOTE: To see compatible chartplotters view Compatible Garmin Chartplotters & Enabling/Disabling Digital Switches with a Garmin Chartplotter

Compatible Garmin Chartplotters & Enabling/Disabling Digital Switches with a Garmin Chartplotter

Compatible Garmin chartplotters can be networked via Garmin Marine Network or NMEA 2000 to enable and disable up to 5 of the 12Vdc or 24Vdc accessories/devices interfaced with the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub.

NOTE: Software must be up to date. See section below for instructions.

Registering, Updating and Pairing the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub

Registration of the GTB 10 OnDeck Hub is automatically done when paired with ActiveCaptain, and can also be done using Garmin Express by following the instructions in Registering Garmin Marine Devices and Charts.

Updating the GTB OnDeck Hub's software must be done with a Garmin Chartplotter, by following the instructions in  Garmin Marine Device Software Updates, and the update may be done or acquired via one of the following methods:

General Information & Basic Troubleshooting of Data Reported via 3G/4G to ActiveCaptain

Data is reported every fifteen minutes while the OnDeck Hub is operating in a full power state. This data will be resent every thirty minutes while the OnDeck hub is operating in standby mode. This includes data about the current status of the bilge pump, see note below.

To get the most recent data, in the ActiveCaptain app from the Sensors, Switches, or Tracking & Security page, swipe down in in ActiveCaptain app while in the OnDeck view. A manual refresh of data from the OnDeck Hub will be loaded. It is important to note that the serve will limit how often a user may request a manual data refresh.  This limit does not prevent the OnDeck hub from automatic reporting data.

If data is not available in the ActiveCaptain app, or is significantly out of date, and a refresh didn't help, try the following: 

1. 1. Verify that OnDeck is turned on by pressing power button.  If status LED first turns red, device was off.  If status LED first blinks green, device was in standby

   2. Verify that OnDeck has valid input power that has not been detected as a drained battery

   3. Check subscription status through website

   4. Check that Vessel Owner on boat matches user logged into the ActiveCaptain app

   5. Connect the smart device to OnDeck Wi-Fi and check signal strength (ActiveCaptain: Settings > OnDeck Diagnostics) and that internet is available

      • Check that vessel is located in a location with cellular coverage

      • Adjust antenna / device placement & orientation per installation manual

   6. Connect smart device to OnDeck Wi-Fi and wait for the prompt to transfer login credentials then agree / accept prompt.

NOTE: The bilge pump will only show as running if it is on exactly when data is collected.  To verify operation, force the pump to stay running for an extended period of time while performing a data refresh in the ActiveCaptain app. To perform the refresh, in the ActiveCaptain app select the Sensors, Switches, or Tracking & Security page, and then swipe down to start a manual refresh of Telematics data from the OnDeck Hub.