Garmin StreetPilot c550 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
StreetPilot
®
C550
™
navigation and communication
© 2006 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
All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced,
copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without
the express prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single copy
of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of
this manual or of any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual must
contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial
distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change
or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person
or organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (
www.garmin.com) for
current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin
products.
Garmin®, MapSource®, and StreetPilot® are registered trademarks and c550™ and Garmin Lock™
are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used without the express
permission of Garmin.
SiRF, SiRFstar and the SiRF logo are registered trademarks of SiRF Technology, Inc. SiRFstarIII
and SiRF Powered are trademarks of SiRF Technology, Inc.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by
Garmin is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
®
Windows
is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
April 2006 Part Number 190-00642-00 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan
PREFACE
PREFACE
Thank you for purchasing the Garmin
StreetPilot® c550™.
Manual Conventions
When you are instructed to “touch”
something, use your finger to touch an
item on the screen.
You will see small arrows (>) used in the
text. They indicate that you should touch
a series of items. For example, if you
see “touch Where to? > Favorites” you
should touch the Where to? button, and
then touch Favorites.
c550 Tips and Shortcuts
• To quickly return to the Menu page,
touch and hold Back.
• Touch and to see more
choices.
®
Tell us how you like this manual!
Fill out the Product Documentation
Survey. Go to
contactUs/, and click Product
Documentation Survey.
www.garmin.com/
Quick Links
• Finding an address: page 7
• Viewing the Map page: page 12
• Using hands-free cellular phone
features: page 14
• Using the Garmin Lock™ antitheft feature: page 6
• Listening to MP3 files: page 24
• Transferring files to your c550:
pages 22–23
• Adjusting the volume: page 6
• Adjusting the brightness: page 6
• Cleaning and storing your unit:
page 31
c550 Owner’s Manual i
PREFACE
Preface ............................................i
Manual Conventions ..........................i
c550 Tips and Shortcuts ....................i
Quick Links ........................................ i
Warning ........................................... iv
Caution .............................................v
Important Information ....................... v
Product Registration ........................ vi
Contact Garmin ............................... vi
Software License Agreement .......... vi
Getting Started ...............................1
What’s in the Box? ...........................1
Looking at Your c550 ........................1
Step 1: Mounting the c550 ...............2
Step 2: Configuring the c550 ............3
Step 3: Acquiring Satellites ...............3
Step 4: Using the c550 .....................3
Finding Your Destination ..................4
Following Your Route .......................5
Adding a Stop to Your Route ............5
Adding a Detour ...............................6
Stopping the Route ...........................6
Taking a Better Route .......................6
Adjusting the Volume ........................6
Adjusting the Brightness ...................6
Locking Your c550 ............................6
Where To? ......................................7
Finding an Address ...........................7
Go! Page Options .............................7
Go Home ..........................................8
Finding Points of Interest ..................8
Finding Recently Found Places ........9
Favorites .........................................10
Finding a Place Using the Map ......11
Expanding Your Search ..................11
Using the Main Pages .................12
Map Page .......................................12
Trip Information Page .....................13
Turn List Page ................................13
Next Turn Page ..............................13
Using Hands-free Features .........14
Understanding Bluetooth
Technology ................................14
Pairing Your Phone .........................14
Getting a Call ..................................15
In a Call ..........................................16
Phone Menu ...................................17
ii c550 Owner’s Manual
PREFACE
Using FM Traffic ...........................20
Viewing Traffic Incidents .................20
Avoiding Traffic ...............................21
Purchasing an Additional Traffic
Subscription ...............................21
Managing Files on Your c550 .....22
Supported File Types .....................22
Step 1: Insert an SD Card
(Optional) ...................................22
Step 2: Connect the USB Cable .....22
Step 3: Transfer Files to
Your c550 ..................................23
Step 4: Eject and Unplug the USB
Cable .........................................23
Deleting Files from Your c550 ........23
Listening to MP3 files ................. 24
Customizing the c550 .................25
Changing the Map Settings ............25
Changing the System Settings .......26
Localizing Your c550 ......................26
Customizing the Display .................27
Changing the Navigation Settings ..28
Bluetooth Technology Settings .......28
Restoring All Settings .....................29
Clearing User Data .........................29
Appendix ......................................30
Resetting Your c550 .......................30
Caring for Your c550 ......................31
Changing the Fuse .........................32
Charging the c550 ..........................32
Calibrating the Screen ...................32
Using a Remote Antenna ...............32
Updating the c550 Software ...........33
Purchasing and Loading Additional
MapSource Maps ......................33
Loading MapSource Waypoints on
Your c550 ..................................34
Using the Garmin Travel Guide™ ...34
Custom POIs (Points of Interest) ....35
Battery Information ........................36
About Satellite Signals ...................36
Technical Specifications .................37
Troubleshooting ..............................38
FCC Compliance ............................40
Declaration of Conformity ...............40
Index .............................................41
c550 Owner’s Manual iii
PREFACE
Warning
Failure to avoid the following potentially
hazardous situations could result in an
accident or collision resulting in death or
serious injury.
When installing the unit in a vehicle, place the
unit securely so that it does not interfere with
vehicle operating controls or obstruct the driver’s
view of the road (see diagram).
Do not mount
where driver’s
field of vision
is blocked.
Do not mount in front of an
airbag field of deployment.
Do not place
unsecured on
the vehicle
dash.
Always operate the vehicle in a safe manner.
Do not become distracted by the unit while
driving, and always be fully aware of all driving
conditions. Minimize the amount of time spent
viewing the screen of the unit while driving and
use voice prompts when possible. Do not input
destinations, change settings, or access any
functions requiring prolonged use of the unit’s
controls while driving. Pull over in a safe and
legal manner before attempting such operations.
The unit contains a non-user-replaceable,
rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery
may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if
mistreated.
• Do not remove from the unit, heat unit above
When navigating, carefully compare information
displayed on the unit to all available navigation
sources, including information from street signs,
visual sightings, and maps. For safety, always
resolve any discrepancies or questions before
140°F (60°C), or incinerate.
• Dispose of unit properly. Contact your local
waste disposal department for information on
properly disposing of lithium-ion batteries.
continuing navigation.
WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This Notice is being provided
in accordance with California’s Proposition 65. If you have any questions or would like additional
information, please refer to our Web site at
http://www.garmin.com/prop65.
iv c550 Owner’s Manual
Caution
PREFACE
Failure to avoid the following potentially
hazardous situations may result in injury or
property damage.
The unit is designed to provide you with route
suggestions. It does not reflect road closures
or road conditions, traffic congestion, weather
conditions, or other factors that may affect safety
or timing while driving.
Use the unit only as a navigational aid. Do not
attempt to use the unit for any purpose requiring
precise measurement of direction, distance,
location, or topography. This product should
not be used to determine ground proximity for
aircraft navigation.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is
operated by the United States government,
which is solely responsible for its accuracy
and maintenance. The government’s system
is subject to changes which could affect the
accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment,
including the unit. Although the unit is a
precision navigation device, any navigation
device can be misused or misinterpreted and,
therefore, become unsafe.
Important Information
MAP DATA INFORMATION: One of the goals of Garmin is to provide customers with the most
complete and accurate cartography that is available to us at a reasonable cost. We use a combination of
governmental and private data sources, which we identify in product literature and copyright messages
displayed to the consumer. Virtually all data sources contain inaccurate or incomplete data to some
degree. This is particularly true outside the United States, where complete and accurate digital data is
either not available or prohibitively expensive.
NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA
California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor
vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. For available accessories,
refer to the Garmin Web site at
using the included mounting disk with the suction cup mount. Garmin does not take any responsibility
for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See
California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)
NOTICE: This Category II radiocommunication device complies with Industry Canada Standard RSS-310.
c550 Owner’s Manual v
www.garmin.com. Also, refer to the Owner’s Manual for instructions on
: State law prohibits drivers in
PREFACE
Product Registration
Help us better support you by
completing our online registration today!
Connect to our Web site at
www.garmin
.com/registration/.
Use this area to record the serial number
(8-digit number located on the back
of the c550) in case your c550 needs
service. Keep the original sales receipt,
or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Serial Number: ____ ____ ____ ____
____ ____ ____ ____
Contact Garmin
Contact Garmin if you have any
questions while using your c550. In
the U.S.A. contact Garmin Product
Support by phone: 913/397.8200 or
800/800.1020, Monday–Friday,
8 AM–5 PM Central Time; or go to
www.garmin.com/support/, and click
Product Support.
In Europe, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Software License Agreement
BY USING THE c550, YOU AGREE TO BE
BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE
AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS
AGREEMENT CAREFULLY.
Garmin grants you a limited license to use
the software embedded in this device (the
“Software”) in binary executable form in the
normal operation of the product. Title, ownership
rights, and intellectual property rights in and to
the Software remain in Garmin.
You acknowledge that the Software is the
property of Garmin and is protected under the
United States of America copyright laws and
international copyright treaties. You further
acknowledge that the structure, organization, and
code of the Software are valuable trade secrets
of Garmin and that the Software in source code
form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin.
You agree not to decompile, disassemble, modify,
reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or reduce to
human readable form the Software or any part
thereof or create any derivative works based on
the Software. You agree not to export or re-export
the Software to any country in violation of
the export control laws of the United States of
America.
at 44/0870.8501241.
vi c550 Owner’s Manual
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
What’s in the Box?
c550 unit and vehicle suction cup mount.
FM TMC traffic receiver/12-Volt adapter to provide external power and traffic
information.
USB cable to connect the c550 to your computer. Your c550 connects to your
computer as a Mass Storage Device (see
Dashboard Disk to mount the suction cup mount on your dashboard (see page 30).
Yellow Sheet that contains your unit’s serial number, registration number for
registering on Garmin’s Web site, and unlock code for future reference.
page 22).
Looking at Your c550
Ball socket (for attaching
the suction mount
SD card slot
MCX connector
under rubber cap
(for an optional
external antenna)
c550 Owner’s Manual 1
Internal
microphone
Power
connector
Audio out
(for optional
headphones or line
out to stereo input)
Mic in (for an
optional external
microphone)
Volume knob
Mini-USB
connector
Speaker
Power
button
GETTING STARTED
Step 1: Mounting the c550
Select a suitable location to mount the c550 on your windshield. Clean and dry the
selected area of your windshield.
➋
➊
➌
Windshield
1. Plug the power cable into the back of the c550.
2. Place the suction cup on the windshield. Flip the lever back, toward the windshield.
3. Snap the socket on the back of the c550 onto the ball on the end of the suction cup
mount.
4. Plug the power cable into a power receptacle in your vehicle. Your unit should turn
on automatically if it is plugged in and your vehicle is running.
To remove the c550 from the mount, turn the c550 as far as you can to the right or left.
Apply pressure in that direction until the c550 snaps off the mount.
To remove the suction cup from the windshield, flip the lever toward you. Pull the tab
on the suction cup toward you.
2 c550 Owner’s Manual
GETTING STARTED
Step 2: Configuring the c550
To turn on your c550, press and hold the
Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your c550.
Power button on the side of the unit.
Step 3: Acquiring Satellites
Go outdoors to an open area, away from tall buildings and trees. Turn on the c550.
Acquiring satellite signals may take 30–60 seconds.
The bars in the upper-left corner indicate satellite strength. When the bars are
green, your c550 has acquired satellite signals; you can find your destination and go
to it.
Step 4: Using the c550
A
Touch to find a destination.
B
Touch to view the map.
C
Touch to make a call (when connected
to a cellular phone with Bluetooth®
wireless technology).
D
Touch to view traffic incidents, when an
FM traffic receiver is connected.
E
Touch to listen to MP3 files loaded on
the SD card or “Garmin” drive.
F
Touch to adjust the c550’s settings.
G
Touch to adjust the brightness of the screen.
C D E F G
A
B
c550 Owner’s Manual 3
GETTING STARTED
Finding Your Destination
The Where to? menu provides several different categories for you to use when you
search for locations.
➋➊
Touch Where to?.
➍
Select a destination.
Touch the arrows to see
more places.
TIP: Touch and to see more choices.
4 c550 Owner’s Manual
➎
Touch Go!.
➌
Select a sub-category. Select a category.
➏
Enjoy the route!
GETTING STARTED
Following Your Route
As you travel, your c550 guides you to your destination with voice prompts, arrows
on the map, and directions at the top of the Map page. If you depart from the original
route, your c550 recalculates the route and provides new directions.
Your route is marked with a
magenta line.
Follow the arrows as you
take turns.
A checkered flag marks your
destination.
Adding a Stop to Your Route
You can add a stop to your route. The c550 gives you directions to the stop and then to
your final destination.
1. With a route active, touch Menu on the Map page,
and touch Where to?.
2. Search for the extra stop.
3. Touch Go!.
4. Touch Yes to add this stop before your destination.
Or, touch No to make this your new final destination.
NOTE: You can add only one stop to your route.
c550 Owner’s Manual 5
GETTING STARTED
Adding a Detour
If a road on your route is closed, you can
take a detour.
1. With a route active, touch Menu.
2. Touch Detour.
Stopping the Route
1. With a route active, touch Menu.
2. Touch Stop.
Taking a Better Route
As you approach your destination, the
c550 evaluates road options, which
may result in a better route. When the
c550 finds a better route,
displayed in the right corner of the map.
Touch
or to take the better route.
or is
Adjusting the Volume
Turn the volume knob on the right side
of the unit to adjust the volume.
Adjusting the Brightness
On the Menu page, touch . Touch
to lower the brightness and to raise
6 c550 Owner’s Manual
it. Touch OK when you are done.
Locking Your c550
1. On the Menu page, touch >
System.
2. Touch the button next to Garmin
Lock. Touch OK.
3. Enter a 4-digit PIN. Touch Yes to
accept the PIN.
4. Touch OK. Drive to a security
location, and touch Set.
Each time you turn on the c550, enter
the 4-digit PIN or drive to the security
location.
What is a Security Location?
You can select any location, such as
your home or office, for your security
location. If you are at your security
location, you do not need to enter a PIN.
If you forget your PIN, drive to your
security location to unlock the c550.
NOTE: To unlock your c550 at your
security location, the c550 must have
acquired satellite signals.
WHERE TO?
WHERE TO?
The Where to? menu provides several
different categories you can use to search
TIP: Finding an intersection is very
similar to finding an address. Touch
Intersection, and enter the two
street names.
for locations. To learn how to perform a
simple search, see page 4.
Go! Page Options
Touch an item in the search results list to
Finding an Address
1. From the Menu page, touch
Where to? > Address.
2. Select a state and city, if necessary.
3. Type the address number. Touch
Done.
4. Type the street name until a list of
streets appears, or touch Done.
5. Select the street.
6. Select a city, if necessary.
7. Select the address, if necessary. The
Go! page opens.
8. Touch Go! to create a route to this
address.
TIP: You can search for a postal
code. Enter the postal code instead
of the city name. (Not all map data
provides postal code searching.)
c550 Owner’s Manual 7
view the Go! page.
Touch Go! to create a turn-by-turn route
to this location.
Touch Show Map to view this location
on the map. If the GPS is off, touch
Set
Loc. to select this place as your current
location.
Touch Save to save this location as one
of your Favorites. See page 10.
If a cellular phone with Bluetooth
wireless technology is connected, touch
to call this location.
WHERE TO?
Go Home
You can set a home location for the place
Finding Points of Interest
1. From the Menu page, touch
you return to most often.
1. From the Menu page, touch
Where to? > Go Home.
2. Select an option.
Going Home
After you set your home location, you
can route to it at any time by touching
Where to? > Go Home.
Changing Your Home
Location
To change your home location, you must
first delete it from
1. From the Menu page, touch
Where to? > Favorites.
2. Touch HOME > Edit > Delete > Yes.
After you delete your home location,
reset it by following the steps in the “Go
Favorites:
2. Select a category and a sub-category,
3. Select a destination.
4. Touch Go!.
Finding a Place by Spelling
the Name
If you know the name of the location you
are looking for, you can spell it using the
on-screen keyboard. You can also enter
letters contained in the name to narrow
the search.
1. From the Menu page, touch
2. Touch Spell Name.
3. Using the on-screen keyboard, enter
Home” section above.
4. Touch the place you are looking for,
Where to? > Food, Hotels….
if necessary. (Touch the arrows to see
more categories.)
Where to? > Food, Hotels….
letters in the name. Touch Done.
and touch Go!.
8 c550 Owner’s Manual
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