Our Garmin 545s test unit shipped with a powerful internal sounder, internal GPS sensor, and was preloaded with Garmin BlueChart g2 U.S. Coastal cartography covering both mainland coasts from Canada to Mexico, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Guam.
The compact 500-series chartplotters from Garmin can be purchased in a wide variety of configurations. All the 500-series machines have a 5-inch screen, unit designations ending with the number 5, like our 545s test unit, have 480 x 640 screen resolution.
The Garmin 545s combines a high resolution screen with preloaded cartography and a 1000-watt sounder.
Unit model numbers ending in 0, like the 540 have lower 320 x 240 pixel screen resolution. The small s suffix in the model number indicates the unit has an internal sounder. Units with high screen resolution also have a more powerful sounder when so equipped.
The middle number in the model designation indicates the type of cartography, 5 is UK/Australia, 4 is US coastal, 3 is US inland lakes, 2 is base map only. All are capable of using Garmin BlueChart g2 Vision cards.
We mounted the Garmin 545s using the supplied bracket. Power and NMEA 0183 data pass through a single cable that fastens to the case back with a twist lock connector. An additional leg on this cable connects the supplied transom-mount transducer.
The optional external GPS sensor connects using a BNC twist lock. We used the optional external antenna for our testing. An additional multi-pin twist lock connector on the back can interface with the Garmin GXM31 weather and radio receiver. Flush-mounting requires an optional kit.
Screen Size and Viewability
We rated day viewability on the high resolution Garmin display screen excellent. Though it was not quite as bright as the brightest screens weve tested in this size unit, details are sharp and clearly readable. When viewed straight on the screen darkens slightly when we looked at using polarized sunglasses. No screen fogging was apparent in the display at anytime.
Garmin mariner