Garmin Gmi 20 Vs. Competitors: In-depth Comparison Of Specs, Performance, And Price

Garmin GMI 20 Information

the information about the Garmin GMI 20:

Introduction

The Garmin GMI 20 is a marine chartplotter that provides clear and concise navigation information. It features a 5-inch color display, a built-in GPS receiver, and a variety of chart options. The GMI 20 is also compatible with Garmin's BlueChart g2 Vision charts, which provide high-resolution bathymetry and aerial imagery.

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Specifications

• Display: 5-inch color display
• GPS Receiver: Built-in GPS receiver
• Charts: Various chart options, including Garmin BlueChart g2 Vision charts
• Compatibility: Compatible with Garmin's NMEA 2000® network
• Other Features:
  • Race timer
  • Dimming control
  • 170 degree viewing angle
  • Glass-bonded lens
  • Daylight and night mode

Features

The Garmin GMI 20 offers a variety of features that make it a valuable tool for boaters. These features include:

• Clear and concise navigation information: The GMI 20's large, bright display makes it easy to see important navigation information, such as depth, speed, and wind.
• Built-in GPS receiver: The GMI 20 has a built-in GPS receiver, so you can always know your position.
• Variety of chart options: The GMI 20 is compatible with a variety of chart options, including Garmin BlueChart g2 Vision charts. These charts provide high-resolution bathymetry and aerial imagery, making it easy to see what's below and around you.
• Race timer: The GMI 20 has a dedicated race timer that counts down and counts up, with an internal beeper. This is a great feature for sailors who want to keep track of their race times.
• Dimming control: The GMI 20's display can be dimmed to suit your needs, whether you're sailing in bright sunlight or at night.
• 170 degree viewing angle: The GMI 20's display has a 170 degree viewing angle, so you can see it clearly from almost anywhere on your boat.
• Glass-bonded lens: The GMI 20's glass-bonded lens prevents fogging and increases contrast.
• Daylight and night mode: The GMI 20 has two modes, daylight and night mode, so you can always see the display clearly, no matter what time of day it is.

What's in the box

The Garmin GMI 20 comes with the following items:

• Garmin GMI 20 chartplotter
• Power cable
• Mounting hardware
• Quick start guide

Conclusion

The Garmin GMI 20 is a versatile and powerful marine chartplotter that offers a variety of features to make your boating adventures more enjoyable and safe. If you're looking for a reliable and easy-to-use chartplotter, the Garmin GMI 20 is a great option.

Additional Information

• The Garmin GMI 20 is available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including Garmin's website.
• The GMI 20 is backed by Garmin's standard one-year warranty.
• For more information about the Garmin GMI 20, please visit Garmin's website or contact Garmin customer support.

Garmin GMI 20 Compare with Similar Item

a comparison of the Garmin GMI 20 with similar items:

Feature	Garmin GMI 20	Lowrance HDS Live 7	Simrad NSS evo3 7
Display size	4 inches	7 inches	7 inches
Display resolution	480 x 272 pixels	800 x 480 pixels	800 x 480 pixels
Weight	247 g (8.71 oz)	340 g (12.03 oz)	360 g (12.7 oz)
Waterproof rating	IPX7	IPX7	IPX7
NMEA 2000 compatibility	Yes	Yes	Yes
PC interface	No	Yes	Yes
Sun cover included	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price	$299.99	$599.99	$599.99

Comparison

The Garmin GMI 20 is the most affordable of the three units, but it also has the smallest display and the lowest resolution. The Lowrance HDS Live 7 and Simrad NSS evo3 7 both have larger displays and higher resolutions, but they are also more expensive.

The Lowrance HDS Live 7 has a few features that the Garmin GMI 20 and Simrad NSS evo3 7 do not, such as built-in sonar and mapping. However, the Simrad NSS evo3 7 has a higher refresh rate than the Lowrance HDS Live 7, which can be important for some applications.

Ultimately, the best unit for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the most affordable unit with a basic display, then the Garmin GMI 20 is a good option. If you need a larger display with a higher resolution or want built-in sonar and mapping, then the Lowrance HDS Live 7 or Simrad NSS evo3 7 are better choices.

Additional considerations

• Sonar: The Garmin GMI 20 does not have built-in sonar, so you will need to purchase a separate sonar module if you want to use sonar with this unit. The Lowrance HDS Live 7 and Simrad NSS evo3 7 both have built-in sonar, so you do not need to purchase a separate module.
• Mapping: The Garmin GMI 20 does not have built-in mapping, so you will need to purchase a separate mapping card if you want to use mapping with this unit. The Lowrance HDS Live 7 and Simrad NSS evo3 7 both have built-in mapping, so you do not need to purchase a separate card.
• Refresh rate: The refresh rate is the number of times per second that the display updates. A higher refresh rate can be important for some applications, such as when you are using the unit for navigation. The Garmin GMI 20 has a refresh rate of 30 Hz, the Lowrance HDS Live 7 has a refresh rate of 50 Hz, and the Simrad NSS evo3 7 has a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

I hope this comparison helps you choose the best unit for your needs.

Garmin GMI 20 Pros/Cons and My Thought

the pros and cons of the Garmin GMI 20, along with some user reviews and my thoughts:

Pros:

• Large, bright display
• Clear and easy-to-read maps
• Long battery life
• Durable construction
• Compatible with a wide range of Garmin devices

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not as user-friendly as some other GPS devices
• Can be difficult to mount in some vehicles

User reviews:

• Positive: "I love the large display and clear maps on the Garmin GMI 20. It's easy to read and navigate, even in bright sunlight. The battery life is also great, I can go for weeks without having to recharge it." - John Smith
• Negative: "I found the Garmin GMI 20 to be a bit too expensive for my liking. It's also not as user-friendly as some other GPS devices I've used. The mount can also be a bit difficult to get in place." - Jane Doe

My thoughts:

Overall, I think the Garmin GMI 20 is a great GPS device. It has a lot of great features, such as a large, bright display, clear maps, and long battery life. However, it is also quite expensive and not as user-friendly as some other devices. If you're looking for a high-quality GPS device with a large display and long battery life, the Garmin GMI 20 is a great option. However, if you're on a budget or want a more user-friendly device, you may want to consider other options.

Here are some additional thoughts on the Garmin GMI 20:

• The large display is great for viewing maps and directions. It's also easy to read in bright sunlight.
• The clear maps are easy to follow and navigate.
• The long battery life is great for long road trips or extended use.
• The durable construction can withstand the elements.
• The Garmin GMI 20 is compatible with a wide range of Garmin devices, so you can use it with your car, motorcycle, or boat.

Overall, I think the Garmin GMI 20 is a great GPS device. It has a lot of great features and is built to last. If you're looking for a high-quality GPS device, the Garmin GMI 20 is a great option.

Garmin GMI 20 Where To Buy

some places where you can buy the Garmin GMI 20 and spare parts:

• Garmin: You can buy the Garmin GMI 20 directly from Garmin's website. They have a variety of spare parts available as well.
• Walmart: Walmart is a great place to find electronics at a good price. They usually have the Garmin GMI 20 in stock, and they also have a selection of spare parts.
• Amazon: Amazon is another great option for buying electronics. They have a wide selection of the Garmin GMI 20, and they often have competitive prices.
• Best Buy: Best Buy is a good place to buy electronics if you want to be able to see and touch the product before you buy it. They usually have the Garmin GMI 20 in stock, and they also have a selection of spare parts.
• Lowes: Lowes is a good option if you're looking for a physical store to buy the Garmin GMI 20. They usually have the product in stock, and they also have a selection of spare parts.
• eBay: eBay is a good place to find the Garmin GMI 20 if you're looking for a good deal. You can often find used or refurbished units on eBay for a fraction of the price of a new unit.

I hope this helps!

Garmin GMI 20 Problems and Solutions

some common issues and solutions for the Garmin GMI 20:

Issue: The GMI 20 may freeze or give false alarm readings.

Solution: This is a known software bug in the GMI 20. Garmin has released a software update to fix this issue, but it is not yet available for all units. If you are experiencing this issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Check the power supply to the GMI 20. Make sure that it is getting power from a separate source, such as a battery or a busbar.
2. Update the software on the GMI 20 to the latest version.
3. If the software update does not fix the issue, you may need to contact Garmin customer support for further assistance.

Issue: The GMI 20 may not display all of the data from the engine.

Solution: This is usually caused by a problem with the NMEA 2000 network. Make sure that all of the devices on the network are properly connected and that the network is configured correctly. You can also try restarting the GMI 20 and the other devices on the network.

Issue: The GMI 20 may not display any data at all.

Solution: This is usually caused by a problem with the power supply to the GMI 20. Make sure that the unit is getting power from a good source. You can also try restarting the GMI 20.

If you are experiencing any other problems with your Garmin GMI 20, you can contact Garmin customer support for assistance.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting Garmin GMI 20 problems:

• Check the connections between the GMI 20 and the other devices on the NMEA 2000 network. Make sure that all of the connections are tight and that the wires are not damaged.
• Restart the GMI 20 and the other devices on the NMEA 2000 network. This can sometimes clear up temporary problems.
• Update the software on the GMI 20. Garmin releases software updates for the GMI 20 on a regular basis, and these updates often fix known problems.
• Contact Garmin customer support for assistance. Garmin customer support is very knowledgeable and helpful, and they can often resolve problems that you cannot.

Garmin GMI 20 Manual

Garmin GMI 20 Manual

Safety Information

• Read and understand all instructions before using the GMI 20.
• Do not use the GMI 20 in a marine environment if it is damaged.
• Keep the GMI 20 out of the reach of children.
• Do not use the GMI 20 if it is wet.
• Do not use the GMI 20 near flammable materials.
• Do not use the GMI 20 if it is not properly mounted.

Before Use

• Before using the GMI 20, make sure that it is properly mounted and connected to the NMEA 2000® network.
• Make sure that the GMI 20 is set to the correct units of measure.
• You can customize the display of the GMI 20 by selecting different profiles.

Troubleshooting

• If the GMI 20 is not working properly, check the following:
  • Is the GMI 20 properly mounted and connected to the NMEA 2000® network?
  • Are the batteries in the GMI 20 installed correctly?
  • Is the GMI 20 set to the correct units of measure?
• If you are still having problems with the GMI 20, contact Garmin customer support.

Maintenance

• To clean the GMI 20, use a soft, damp cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean the GMI 20.
• Do not expose the GMI 20 to water or other liquids.

Warranty

The GMI 20 is covered by a one-year warranty. For more information on the warranty, please visit Garmin's website.

Contact Information

• Garmin Customer Support: 1-800-800-1020
• Garmin Website: https://www.garmin.com/

Additional Information

• The GMI 20 can display data from a variety of sensors, including:
  • GPS
  • Depth sounder
  • Speedometer
  • Temperature sensor
• The GMI 20 can also be used to create custom alarms.
• The GMI 20 can be updated with firmware updates.

Here are some additional tips for using the GMI 20:

• Use the "Profile" menu to customize the display of the GMI 20.
• Use the "Alarms" menu to create custom alarms.
• Use the "System" menu to configure the settings of the GMI 20.
• Keep the GMI 20 up to date with the latest firmware updates.

I hope this manual has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please contact Garmin customer support.