Contents
- 1. User Manual 1
- 2. User Manual
- 3. User Manual Install Guide
User Manual
GMR™ radar Series
Installation Instructions
To obtain the best performance and to avoid damage to your boat, install the
device according to these instructions.
Read all installation instructions before proceeding with the installation. If you
experience difficulty during the installation, contact Garmin® Product Support.
Important Safety Information
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for
product warnings and other important information.
The radar transmits electromagnetic energy. Ensure that the radar is installed
according to the recommendations in these instructions and that all personnel
are clear of the path of the radar beam before transmitting. When properly
installed and operated, the use of this radar conforms to the requirements of
ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.
When the radar is transmitting, do not look directly at the antenna at close
range; eyes are the most sensitive part of the body to electromagnetic energy.
When connecting the power cable, do not remove the in-line fuse holder. To
prevent the possibility of injury or product damage caused by fire or
overheating, the appropriate fuse must be in place as indicated in the product
specifications. In addition, connecting the power cable without the appropriate
fuse in place will void the product warranty.
CAUTION
This device should be used only as a navigational aid. Do not attempt to use
the device for any purpose requiring precise measurement of direction,
distance, location, or topography.
Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling,
cutting, or sanding.
NOTICE
When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite side of the
surface.
Registering Your Device
Help us better support you by completing our online registration today.
• Go to http://my.garmin.com.
• Keep the original sales receipt, or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Contacting Garmin Product Support
• Go to www.garmin.com/support and click Contact Support for in-country
support information.
• In the USA, call (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020.
• In the UK, call 0808 2380000.
• In Europe, call +44 (0) 870.8501241.
Tools Needed
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• 5 mm hex wrench
• Drill and 15.0 mm (19/32 in.) drill bit
• 17 mm (21/32 in.) wrench and torque wrench
• A length of 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire to ground the radar housing
(and voltage converter, if applicable).
• Marine sealant
Mounting Considerations
When selecting a mounting location, observe these considerations.
• It is highly recommended that the device is mounted out of range of
people, with the vertical beam width above head height. To avoid exposure
to harmful radio frequency (RF) levels, the device should not be mounted
closer to people than the maximum safe distance value listed in the
product specifications.
•The device should be mounted high above the ship’s keel line with minimal
blockage of the radar beam. Obstructions may cause blind and shadow
sectors, or generate false echoes. The higher the installation position, the
farther the radar can detect targets.
• The device should be mounted on a flat surface or a platform that is
parallel to the vessel's water line and is sturdy enough to support the
device's weight. The weight for each model is listed in the product
specifications.
• The radar beam spreads vertically 11.5° above and 11.5° below À the
radar's radiating element. On vessels with higher bow angles at cruise
speed, the installation angle can be lowered to point the beam slightly
downward to the waterline while at rest. Shims can be used if necessary.
• The device should be mounted away from heat sources, such as smoke
stacks and lights.
• The device should be mounted at a different level than horizontal
spreaders and mast crosstrees.
•To avoid interference with a magnetic compass, the device should not be
mounted closer to a compass than the compass-safe distance value listed
in the product specifications.
• Other electronics and cables should be mounted more than 2 m (6.5 ft.)
from the radar beam path.
• GPS antennas should be either above or below the radar beam path.
• The device should be mounted at least 1 m (40 in.) from any transmitting
equipment.
• The device should be mounted at least 1 m (40 in.) away from cables
carrying radio signals such as VHF radios, cables, and antennas.
• The device should be mounted at least 2 m (6.5 ft.) away from Single Side
Band (SSB) radios.
Preparing the Surface and the Radar for Mounting
Before you can mount the radar, you must choose a suitable mounting location
(Mounting Considerations, page 1).
1Select an option:
• If you are using a pre-drilled Garmin compatible Furuno® or Raymarine®
mount, proceed to step 3.
• Secure the included mounting template to the surface at the chosen
mounting location, along the bow-stern axis as indicated on the
template.
2Determine which of the two mounting-hole patterns indicated on the
template are appropriate for the mounting surface and drill the four
mounting holes using a 15 mm (19/32 in.) drill bit.
3Remove the hatch on the front of the pedestal by loosening the screw and
lifting the hatch off of the hinges.
July 2015 Printed in Taiwan 190-01818-02_0B
4Apply the included Petrolatum Primer to one half of the threads of the four
threaded rods.
5Insert the ends of the threaded rods coated in Petrolatum Primer into the
pedestal, matching the hole pattern drilled in step 2.
6Tighten the threaded rods À using a 5 mm hex wrench Á.
To avoid damaging the pedestal, you should stop tightening the threaded
rods when they no longer turn easily.
7Install the isolators  over the threaded rods, and push them securely
onto the four raised locations on the bottom of the pedestal.
Mounting the Radar
Before you can mount the radar, you must first select a mounting location, and
prepare the mounting surface and the radar (Preparing the Surface and the
Radar for Mounting, page 1).
1Take note of which end of the pedestal you plan to mount facing the bow
along the bow-stern axis.
If the hatch side is facing the bow, you must adjust the front-of-boat offset
on the chartplotter to receive an accurate radar reading (Front-of-Boat
Offset, page 4).
2Position the included strap over the antenna, as close to the pedestal base
as possible À.
3Hoist the radar into position, and carefully lower it onto the mounting
surface, feeding the threaded rods through the holes.
4From under the mounting surface, place the shoulder washers Á on the
threaded rods and feed them into the mounting surface so they fit securely.
5Place the flat washers Â, lock washers Ã, and hex nuts Ä on the
threaded rods.
6Torque the hex nuts to 1.5 kgf-m (130 lbf-in. [11 lbf-ft.]) to securely fasten
the radar to the surface without damaging the radar or the mounting
hardware.
Installing the Antenna
Before you can install the antenna on the radar, you must securely mount the
pedestal (Mounting the Radar, page 2).
1Remove the protective cover from the waveguide on the top of the
pedestal.
2Align the waveguide À on the pedestal with the socket on the bottom of
the antenna Á, and slide the antenna onto the pedestal.
3Secure the antenna to the pedestal using the included hex bolts  and
spring washers Ã.
2 GMR rdar Series Installation Instructions
4Torque the hex bolts to 0.81 kgf-m (70 lfb-in. [6 lbf-ft.]) to fasten the
antenna to the pedestal without damaging the antenna or the mounting
hardware.
Cable Considerations
It may be necessary to drill 31.7 mm (1 ¼ in.) holes for routing the power or
network cable. The provided rubber cable grommet can be used to cover a
cable installation hole.
• The grommet does NOT provide a waterproof seal. To make the grommet
waterproof, marine sealant must be applied.
•If needed, the grommet can be trimmed to route both the power and the
network cable through the same hole.
• Additional cable grommets can be purchased from Garmin or a Garmin
dealer.
When installing the power and network cables, you should observe these
considerations.
• Cutting the Garmin Marine Network cable is not recommended, but a field
install kit can be purchased from Garmin or a Garmin dealer if cutting the
network cable is necessary.
• To ensure safety, appropriate tie-wraps, fasteners, and sealant should be
used to secure the cable along the route and through any bulkheads or the
deck.
• Cables should not be run near moving objects and high-heat sources or
through doorways and bilges.
• To avoid interference with other equipment, power and network cables
should not be run next to or parallel to other cables, such as radio antenna
lines or power cables. If this is not possible, the cables should be shielded
with metal conduit or a form of EMI shielding.
• The power cable should be installed as close to the battery source as
possible.
◦ If it is necessary to extend the power cable, the appropriate gauge of
wire must be used (Power Cable Extensions, page 4).
◦ Incorrectly extended runs of cable may cause the radar to malfunction
due to insufficient power transmission.
Connecting to Power Through the Voltage Converter
WARNING
When connecting the power cable, do not remove the in-line fuse holder. To
prevent the possibility of injury or product damage caused by fire or
overheating, the appropriate fuse must be in place as indicated in the product
specifications. In addition, connecting the power cable without the appropriate
fuse in place will void the product warranty.
NOTICE
Do not reuse any voltage converters from previous Garmin radar models, or
third party voltage converters. Using any converter other than one included
with the radar may damage the radar or prevent it from turning on.
Some radar models require a voltage converter unit to properly power the
device. If your model is packaged with a voltage converter, it must be installed
in order for your radar to function. If your model is not packaged with a voltage
converter, connect the power cable directly to the boat battery (Connecting
Directly to Power, page 3).
When installing the voltage converter for an applicable radar model, observe
these considerations.
• The voltage converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 Vdc.
•It is recommended to install the voltage converter as close as possible to
the power source.
• Connecting the power cable for the voltage converter directly to the battery
is recommended. If it is necessary to extend the cable, the appropriate
gauge of wire must be used for the length of the extension (Power Cable
Extensions, page 4).
Item Description
ÀTo the Garmin Marine Network
Á7.5 A fuse holder
ÂRed (+)
ÃBlack (-)
ÄTo the boat battery (10 to 32 Vdc)
Water ground connection
1Route the power cable to the radar and the voltage converter.
2Use crimp connectors and heat-shrink tubing to connect the power cable to
the voltage converter.
The radar power cable contains a 7.5 A fuse which should not be removed
when connecting to the voltage converter.
3Connect the voltage converter to the boat battery through a 15 A, slow-
blow fuse (not included).
The 15 A fuse (not included) between the voltage converter and battery is
in addition to the 7.5 A fuse included in the radar power cable. Both fuses
must be in place for the radar to function properly.
4Connect the power cable to the POWER port on the radar.
Connecting Directly to Power
WARNING
When connecting the power cable, do not remove the in-line fuse holder. To
prevent the possibility of injury or product damage caused by fire or
overheating, the appropriate fuse must be in place as indicated in the product
specifications. In addition, connecting the power cable without the appropriate
fuse in place will void the product warranty.
Some radar models do not require a voltage converter unit. If your model is
packaged without a voltage converter, it should be connected directly to
power.
Item Description
ÀTo the Garmin Marine Network
Á15 A fuse holder
ÂTo the boat battery (10 to 32 Vdc)
Water ground connection
1Route the power cable to the radar and boat battery.
GMR radar Series Installation Instructions 3
2Connect the power cable to the boat battery.
3Connect the power cable to the POWER port on the radar.
Power Cable Extensions
Connecting the power cable directly to the battery is recommended. If it is
necessary to extend the cable, the appropriate gauge of wire must be used for
the length of the extension.
You must use crimp connectors and heat-shrink to create a water-resistant
connection.
Distance Wire Gauge
3 m (9 ft. 10 in.) 3.31 mm² (12 AWG)
5 m (16 ft. 4 in.) 5.26 mm² (10 AWG)
6.5 m (21 ft. 3 in.) 6.63 mm² (9 AWG)
8 m (26 ft. 2 in.) 8.36 mm² (8 AWG)
Grounding the Radar
The radar (and voltage converter, if applicable) must be connected to the
appropriate type of ground using a 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire (not
included).
1Route a 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire to a water ground location and to
the radar pedestal.
2Connect the wire to the ground connector on the pedestal ( ) using the
pre-installed crimp connector.
3Coat the ground screw and crimp connector with marine sealant.
4Connect the other end of the wire to the water ground location on the boat,
and coat the connection with marine sealant.
5Select an option:
• If your radar was not packaged with a voltage converter, no further
grounding is necessary.
•If your radar was packaged with a voltage converter, proceed to step 6.
6Route a different 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire to water ground location
and to the voltage converter.
7Loosen a screw on one corner of the voltage converter and secure the
copper wire to the screw.
8Coat the screw and wire on the voltage converter with marine sealant.
9Connect the other end of the wire to the RF ground location on the boat,
and coat the connection with marine sealant.
Garmin Marine Network Considerations
This device connects to Garmin Marine Network devices to share radar data
with compatible devices on the network. When connecting to a Garmin Marine
Network device, observe these considerations.
• A Garmin Marine Network cable must be used for all Garmin Marine
Network connections.
◦ Third-party CAT5 cable and RJ45 connectors must not be used for
Garmin Marine Network connections.
◦ Additional Garmin Marine Network cables and connectors are available
from your Garmin dealer.
• Although it is not recommended, you can use a field-installable connector
to create a custom-length Garmin Marine Network cable if necessary.
Follow the directions provided with the connector.
Radar Operation
All functions of this radar are controlled with your Garmin chartplotter. See the
Radar section of your chartplotter's manual for operating instructions. To
download the latest manual, go to www.garmin.com/support/.
Software Update
You may need to update the device software when you install the device or
add an accessory to the device.
Loading the New Software on a Memory Card
The device may contain a software-update memory card. If so, follow the
instructions provided with the card. If a software update memory card is not
included, you must copy the software update to a memory card.
1Insert a memory card into the card slot on the computer.
2Go to www.garmin.com/support/software/marine.html.
3Select Download next to “Garmin Marine Network with SD card.”
4Read and agree to the terms.
5Select Download.
6Select Run.
7Select the drive associated with the memory card, and select Next >
Finish.
Updating the Device Software
Before you can update the software, you must obtain a software-update
memory card or load the latest software onto a memory card.
1Turn on the chartplotter.
2After the home screen appears, insert the memory card into the card slot.
NOTE: In order for the software update instructions to appear, the device
must be fully booted before the card is inserted.
3Follow the on-screen instructions.
4Wait several minutes while the software update process completes.
The device returns to normal operation after the software update process
is complete.
5Remove the memory card.
NOTE: If the memory card is removed before the device restarts fully, the
software update is not complete.
Specifying the Antenna Size
Before you can use the radar on your system, you must specify the antenna
size.
You must mount the radar, connect it to power, and connect it to the Garmin
Marine Network before you can specify the antenna size.
1Turn on the radar and all devices connected to the Garmin Marine
Network.
An antenna-selection prompt appears on the connected chartplotters.
NOTE: If the entire system is being powered on for the first time, the
antenna-selection screen is part of the initial setup process.
2Select the installed antenna size for each open-array radar installed on the
boat.
TIP: If you need to specify a different antenna size, while viewing the radar
screen for the radar you want to change , select Menu > Radar Setup >
Antenna Configuration > Antenna Size and select the antenna size.
Front-of-Boat Offset
The front-of-boat offset compensates for the physical location of the radar
scanner on a boat, if the radar scanner does not align with the bow-stern axis.
Measuring the Potential Front-of-Boat Offset
The front-of-boat offset compensates for the physical location of the radar
scanner on a boat, if the radar scanner does not align with the bow-stern axis.
1Using a magnetic compass, take an optical bearing of a stationary target
located within viewable range.
2Measure the target bearing on the radar.
3If the bearing deviation is more than +/- 1°, set the front-of-boat offset.
4 GMR radar Series Installation Instructions
Setting the Front-of-Boat Offset
Before you can set the front-of-boat offset, you must measure the potential
front-of-boat offset.
The front-of-boat offset setting configured for use in one radar mode is applied
to every other radar mode and to the Radar overlay.
1From a Radar screen or the Radar overlay, select Menu > Radar Setup >
Front of Boat.
2Select Up or Down to adjust the offset.
Setting a Custom Park Position
If you have more than one radar on your boat, you must be viewing the radar
screen for the radar you want to adjust.
By default, the antenna is stopped perpendicular to the pedestal when it is not
spinning. You can adjust this position (optional).
1From the radar screen, select Menu > Radar Setup > Antenna
Configuration > Park Position.
2Use the slider bar to adjust the position of the antenna when stopped, and
select Back.
Specifications
Dimensions
Item Measurement Description
À181.8 mm (7 3/16 in.) Center of rotation to the rear of the pedestal.
Á236.2 mm (9 5/16 in.) Center of rotation to the front of the pedestal.
Â25 mm (1 in.) Center of rotation to the inner rear mounting holes.
Ã125 mm (4 15/16 in.) Center of rotation to the inner front mounting holes.
Ä50 mm (1 15/16 in.) Center of rotation to the outer rear mounting holes.
Å150 mm (5 29/32 in.) Center of rotation to the outer front mounting holes.
Æ140 mm (5 1/2 in.)
Ç200 mm (7 7/8 in.)
GMR radar Series Installation Instructions 5
Item Measurement Description
À4 ft. models: 132.7 cm (4 ft. 4 1/4 in.)
6 ft. models: 193.7 cm (6 ft. 4 1/4 in.)
Antenna length.
Á45.1 cm (17 3/4 in.) Base of the pedestal to the top of the antenna.
Â31.8 cm (12 1/2 in.) Width of the pedestal.
Physical Specifications
Specification Measurement
Pedestal weight 21.4 kg (47.1 lb)
Antenna weight 4 ft. antenna: 5.5 kg (12.2 lb.)
6 ft. antenna: 7.7 kg (16.9 lb.)
Power cable length 15 m (49 ft. 3 in.)
Network cable length 15 m (49 ft. 3 in.)
Antenna rotation speed 24 rpm and 48 rpm
Max wind load 80 kn
Temperature range From -15 to 70ºC (5 to 158ºF)
Humidity 95% at 35°C (95°F)
Water resistance IEC 60529 IPX6 (protected against heavy seas)
Bearing accuracy 0.25º
Electrical Specifications
Specification Measurement
Minimum safe
operating
distance*
GMR 424 xHD2
• 100 W/m²: 1.22 m (48 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 3.90 m (154 in.)
GMR 426 xHD2
•100 W/m²: 1.54 m (61 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 4.85 m (191 in.)
GMR 624 xHD2
• 100 W/m²: 1.50 m (59 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 4.70 m (185 in.)
GMR 626 xHD2
• 100 W/m²: 1.90 m (75 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 5.90 m (232 in.)
GMR 1224 xHD2
• 100 W/m²: 2.10 m (83 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 6.65 m (262 in.)
GMR 1226 xHD2
• 100 W/m²: 2.65 m (104 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 8.50 m (335 in.)
new radar version 1
• 100 W/m²: 2.19 m (86 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 6.92 m (272 in.)
new radar version 2
• 100 W/m²: 2.75 m (108 in.)
• 10 W/m²: 8.70 m (342 in.)
Compass-safe
distance
Standard compass: 90 cm (35 7/16 in.)
Standby steering and emergency compasses: 80 cm (31 1/2 in.)
Input
voltage
From 10 to 32 Vdc
Fuse Radar power cable, no voltage converter: 30 A (included)
Radar power cable, with voltage converter (if applicable): 15 A
(included)
Voltage converter (if applicable): 30 A (not included)
6 GMR radar Series Installation Instructions
Specification Measurement
Input power GMR 424 and 426:
• Typical: 55 W
• Max.: 160 W
GMR 624 and 626:
• Typical: 65 W
• Max.: 170 W
GMR 1224 and 1226:
• Typical: 90 W
• Max.: 125 W
New radar :
• Typical: 100 W
• Max.: 180 W
Pulse width For pulse width information, go to the specifications tab for your radar
model on www.garmin.com.
*The radar should be located in a position that is at least this far from people
on the vessel when it is transmitting.
IEC 60936-1, clause 3-27.1, states maximum distances from the antenna at
which radio frequency (RF) levels can be expected.
Antenna Specifications
Specification Measurement
Type End-fed slotted waveguide
Horizontal beam width 4 ft. antenna: 1.8 degrees
6 ft. antenna: 1.1 degrees
Horizontal side lobes -23 dB within ±10 degrees of main
-30 dB outside ±10 degrees of main
Vertical beam width 23º
Antenna gain 4 ft. antenna: 27 dB
6 ft. antenna: 29 dB
Polarization Horizontal
Installation Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Causes
The radar does not
turn on. The status
LED is not on.
• The power cable may not be connected correctly to the device
or to the battery. Check all connections.
• The inline fuse may have blown. Check the fuse and replace it
if necessary.
• The wire gauge used to extend the power cable may be too
small for the length of the extension. Check the table provided
in the Power Cable Extensions section of these instructions to
make sure the correct wire gauge is used (Power Cable
Extensions, page 4).
• If the radar uses a voltage converter, it may be connected
through an incompatible or third-party voltage converter. Use
only the voltage converter supplied with the radar.
The radar is not
available on the
Garmin device or
on devices
connected to the
Garmin Marine
Network.
• The radar may not be powering on. Check the status LED.
• The device software may not be up-to-date. Update the
software on the device or on the Garmin Marine Network.
• The network cable may not be connected correctly to the
device or to the Garmin Marine Network. Check all
connections.
• If a field-installable network connector was used, it may have
been installed improperly. Check the connector.
The status LED is located on the product label, and can help troubleshoot
installation problems.
Status LED Color and
Activity
Radar Status
Solid red The radar is getting ready for use. This should only stay red
briefly before changing to flashing green.
Flashing green The radar is operating properly.
Flashing orange The radar software is being updated.
Flashing red The radar has encountered an error. Contact Garmin product
support for assistance.
Garmin® and the Garmin logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and
other countries. GMR™
is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used
without the express permission of Garmin.
Furuno® is a registered trademark of Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.
Raymarine® is a registered trademark of Raymarine.
GMR radar eries Installation Instructions 7