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Installation

Installing a Memory Card

To record video, you must install a compatible memory card (Memory Card Specifications). A memory card is included with some device models.

  1. Insert the memory card 1 into the slot 2.

    Memory card installation into the slot on the bottom of the camera with callouts
  2. Press it in until it clicks.

Formatting the Memory Card

The camera requires a memory card formatted using the exFAT file system. You can use the camera to format your card using this file system.

You must format a brand new memory card if it is not formatted using the exFAT file system.

NOTE: Formatting the memory card deletes all videos and data on the card.
  1. Connect the camera to power.
  2. Swipe left to open the menu.
  3. Select Settings > Device > Format Memory Card.
  4. Keep the camera connected to power until the formatting is complete.

Removing the Memory Card

NOTICE

Removing the memory card while the device is turned on can result in a loss of data or damage to the device.

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press the card in until it clicks.
  3. Release the card.

    The card ejects from the slot.

Installing the Polarizing Filter on the Camera

The camera comes with a polarizing filter to help reduce glare from your windshield.

NOTICE

Do not rotate the polarizing filter while it is installed on the camera, because doing so could damage the camera lens.

  1. Position the filter so the line on the outer rim is facing up.

    Polarizing filter installation
  2. Place the filter firmly onto the camera lens.
  3. Verify the line on the outer rim of the filter 1 is facing up and the Garmin® logo on the filter is right side up.

    Polarizing filter orientation with a callout

After installing the polarizing filter, you should update the Camera Lens Cover video setting to ensure the best quality video footage (Video Settings).

Removing the Polarizing Filter from the Camera

You can remove the polarizing filter for night races or races with low light.

  1. Firmly grip the camera in one hand and the polarizing filter in the other hand.
  2. Pull the filter away from the camera.

After removing the polarizing filter, you should update the Camera Lens Cover video setting to ensure the best quality video footage (Video Settings).

Mounting Considerations

WARNING

When installing the device in a vehicle, do not place the device where it obstructs the driver’s view of the road or interferes with vehicle operating controls, such as the steering wheel, foot pedals, or transmission levers. Do not place the device unsecured on the vehicle dashboard. Do not place the device in front of or above any airbag.

The camera affixes to the windshield using the included adhesive mount. The adhesive mount is difficult to remove after it is installed. You should carefully consider the mounting location before you install the mount.

  • Do not mount the camera in a location that interferes with the driver's view of the road.

  • You should choose a mounting location that provides the camera a clear view of the road ahead.

  • You should choose a mounting location that is as high as possible on the center of the windshield.

  • If you have a rearview mirror, you should place the camera below the rearview mirror.

  • You should verify the area of the windshield in front of the camera is cleared by the windshield wipers.

  • You should avoid placing the camera behind a tinted area of the windshield.

NOTE: If necessary, you can position the device to the left or right of the rearview mirror as long as it is mounted close to the center of the windshield. Always observe the on-screen alignment instructions before each drive session (Starting a Drive Session).

Installing the Camera on Your Windshield

NOTICE

The adhesive mount is intended for a long-term installation and can be difficult to remove. You should carefully consider the mounting location before you install the mount.

Before you can install the adhesive mount onto your windshield, you should review the windshield mounting considerations (Mounting Considerations).

For the best results, the ambient temperature should be from 21° to 38°C (from 70° to 100°F) while installing the camera on your windshield. The adhesive may not bond correctly if the temperature is outside this range. If you need to install the camera at lower temperatures, you must clear all snow, ice, and moisture from the windshield and warm the windshield using the vehicle defroster before installing the camera.

The camera attaches to the windshield using the included adhesive mount.

  1. Clean the inside of the windshield using water or alcohol, and a lint-free cloth.

    The windshield must be free of dust, wax, oils, or coatings.

  2. Hold the camera in the desired mounting location on the windshield, and verify the camera has a clear, unimpeded view.
  3. After you have selected a mounting location with a clear view, remove the protective film from the mount adhesive.

    Protective film peeled away from the mount adhesive
  4. Position the mount over the mounting location.
    TIP: The adhesive is extremely sticky. Avoid touching the adhesive to the windshield until the mount is properly positioned.
  5. Press the mount firmly onto the windshield, and maintain pressure for 30 seconds.

    This helps to ensure the mount adhesive has proper contact with the windshield.


    Camera and mount pressed onto a windshield

Connecting the Camera to Vehicle Power

  1. Plug the power cable into the USB-C® port on the camera.

    Power cabled connection to the micro-USB port on the side of the camera
  2. Route the power cable to your vehicle power outlet.
    NOTICE

    You should power the camera using the included vehicle power adapter and avoid using a vehicle USB port. A vehicle USB port may not provide enough power for reliable camera operation.

    The included lightweight power cable is designed to be routed out of sight. To hide the power cable, route it behind the vehicle trim along the windshield, doorframe, or dash.


    Power cable routed around the windshield and dash and connected to vehicle power adapter
  3. Plug the Garmin Catalyst™ 2 power cable into the included vehicle power adapter.
  4. Plug the vehicle power adapter into the power outlet in your vehicle.
  5. If necessary, turn on the vehicle ignition switch to provide power to the power outlet in your vehicle.

    The camera turns on.

Turning On the Device Manually

NOTE: When the device is connected to an ignition-switched power outlet, it turns on automatically when you turn on the vehicle.
Press Power symbol .

The device turns on.

Turning Off the Device Manually

NOTE: When the device is connected to an ignition-switched power outlet, it turns off automatically when you turn off the vehicle.
  1. Hold Power symbol for 3 seconds.
  2. Select Off.

Pairing a Wireless Headset or Car Stereo

You can pair a wireless headset or stereo with your Garmin Catalyst 2 device to hear coaching tips and audible lap times as you drive.

  1. Place your Garmin Catalyst 2 device and your headset or stereo within 10 m (33 ft.) of each other.
  2. On your Garmin Catalyst 2 device, swipe the screen left to open the menu.
  3. Select Settings > Audio > Add Bluetooth Audio.
  4. On your headset or stereo, enable Bluetooth® technology and make it visible to other Bluetooth devices.
  5. On your Garmin Catalyst 2 device, select OK, and select your headset or stereo from the list of devices.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
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February 2026
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