Garmin GMR 1234/1236 xHD3 radar pedestal

This pedestal is the essential structural support designed specifically for Garmin GMR 1234 xHD3 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. It ensures the stability and precise orientation of the antenna, which is critical for optimal radar system performance in all marine conditions.

This pedestal is exclusively designed to be compatible with Garmin GMR 1234 xHD3 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. Its design is optimized for perfect integration with these specific models.

For optimal installation, the radar pedestal must be mounted with several considerations in mind:

It must be installed out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height.The radar should be mounted high above the ship's keel line, with minimal obstruction to the radar beam.The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the waterline, and strong enough to support the radar's weight.Avoid mounting the radar near heat sources (exhausts, lights), other electronic equipment, cables carrying radio signals (VHF), or a magnetic compass (respect the specified safety distance).GPS antennas must be positioned above or below the radar beam path.

Whether a voltage converter is required depends on the radar model. If a converter is included with your model, it is mandatory to install it for the radar to function correctly. This converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 Vdc and must be installed as close as possible to the power source.

If your model is not supplied with a voltage converter, you can connect the power cable directly to the boat's battery (11 to 32 Vdc). However, using a voltage converter, even if not originally included, can help the radar better withstand stronger winds.

When installing and using the radar, it is crucial to follow these safety instructions:

Never look directly at the antenna at short range when the radar is transmitting, as the eyes are the most sensitive part of the body to electromagnetic energy.The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height.When connecting the power cable, do not remove the inline fuse holder and ensure the correct fuse is in place to prevent fire or overheating hazards.Always wear safety goggles, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.It is recommended to have the installation carried out by a qualified marine installer to avoid potential injuries or damage to the vessel or equipment.

It is strongly recommended to use the mounting template provided in the product box. If you choose to print a template yourself, you must follow precise instructions: ensure that the scaling is set to 100% and that the paper format is large enough. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in an incorrectly sized template and thus imprecise cutting on your boat's mounting surface.

For radar pedestal wiring, it is generally necessary to drill a hole up to 32 mm (1 1/4 in) in diameter to route power and network cables. After cable installation, apply marine sealant to ensure a watertight seal.

The ground cable is not included and must be connected to a water ground, not the battery's negative terminal. Cables must not be routed near moving objects, high-heat sources, or parallel to other cables (radio antenna lines, power cables) to avoid interference. It is recommended to install the power cable as close as possible to the battery source. If an extension is required, use the appropriate wire gauge based on length to ensure sufficient power transmission.

This pedestal is the essential structural support designed specifically for Garmin GMR 1234 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. It ensures the antenna's stability and precise orientation in all marine conditions, which is critical for radar system performance. Correct installation maintains the radar's physical integrity, minimizes interference, and maximizes detection range, thereby improving navigation safety and efficiency.

This pedestal is specifically designed to be compatible with Garmin GMR 1234 xHD3 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. It ensures optimal integration and performance with these models.

The mounting template supplied with the product indicates a dimension of 7 7/8 inches (200 mm). It is strongly recommended to use the template provided in the product box to ensure precise cutting and installation. If you print a template, ensure the scale is set to 100% and the paper size is adequate.

For the radar pedestal installation, you will need the following tools:

A #2 Phillips screwdriverA 5 mm hex keyA drill and a 15.0 mm (19/32 in) bitA 17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and a torque wrench3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding the radar housing (and the power converter, if applicable)Marine sealant

When choosing the mounting location, consider the following points:

The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. It must be mounted high above the vessel's keel line, with minimal obstruction of the radar beam. The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the waterline, and sufficiently robust. The location must allow connection to power, ground, and the network. The radar must be kept away from heat sources (exhausts, lights) and transmission equipment (at least 1 m), as well as radio cables (at least 1 m) and SSB radios (at least 2 m). GPS antennas must be located above or below the radar beam path.

To prepare the mounting surface:

Attach the included mounting template to the surface at the chosen location, aligning it along the bow-stern axis.Drill the mounting holes using a 15 mm (19/32 in) bit.If you need to run power and network cables through the surface, drill a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) pass-through hole along the central channel indicated on the template.Remove the mounting template from the surface.

Once the pedestal is positioned and the threaded rods are inserted and tightened (until they no longer turn easily), you must tighten the hexagonal nuts to a torque of 14.7 N·m (11 lbf·ft). This ensures a secure attachment of the radar to the surface without damaging the device or the mounting hardware.

To install the antenna on the pedestal:

Remove the protective cover from the waveguide located on top of the pedestal.Remove the mounting hardware (screws and washers) from underneath the antenna.Align the pedestal’s waveguide with the socket under the antenna and slide the antenna onto the pedestal.Secure the antenna to the pedestal using the screws, spring washers, and flat washers you removed earlier.Tighten the screws with a torque wrench to 0.81 kgf-m (70 lbf-in or 5.83 lbf-ft) to secure the antenna without damaging it or the mounting hardware.

For wiring, a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) diameter hole may be required to route power, network, or ground cables. It is essential to apply marine sealant around this hole after cable installation to ensure watertight integrity. The ground cable is not included and must be connected to a water ground, not the battery’s negative terminal. Power and network cables must not run parallel to other cables (radio, power) to avoid interference; if unavoidable, EMI shielding is recommended. The power cable should be routed as close as possible to the battery source.

Power supply specifications depend on whether a voltage converter is used:

With a voltage converter (if provided): The converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 V DC. The radar's power cable includes a 15 A fuse, and the converter must be connected to the battery via a 30 A fuse (included). Both fuses must be installed. Direct connection to the battery (if the model is not provided with a converter): The radar requires an input voltage of 11 to 32 V DC. The power cable includes a 15 A fuse that must not be removed. Using a voltage converter, even if not provided, can help the radar better withstand strong winds.

No, it is strongly discouraged to reuse power converters from older Garmin radar models or third-party converters. Using a converter other than the one supplied with the radar, or a correct converter purchased from Garmin or an authorized dealer, may damage the radar or prevent it from powering on correctly.