GMR Fantom™ 254, mast and pedestal radar, black

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 254 radar is a 4-foot (1.22 m) solid-state system with 250 W output. This output is equivalent to that of a 15 kW magnetron radar, enabling high-resolution target detection and imaging at ranges from 6 meters to 96 nautical miles.

MotionScope™ technology uses the Doppler effect to identify and highlight moving targets. Targets are displayed in different colors, making it easier to avoid collisions, locate bird flocks, or track weather by clearly distinguishing static objects from moving ones.

Pulse Compression technology significantly improves radar image resolution. It maximizes transmitted energy toward the target, enabling more accurate detection and identification of targets, even at varying ranges.

Yes, the GMR Fantom™ 254 radar features automatic MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) acquisition. This function allows tracking up to 30 moving targets without manual intervention, thereby improving navigation safety.

To ensure a clear radar image and reduce sea clutter and interference, the system uses scan-to-scan averaging. This technique provides a sharper image that is easier to interpret.

The True Echo Trails function displays a fading trail of moving targets. This feature makes it easier to visualize the trajectory of moving targets, helping to anticipate their movements and better understand the situation around the vessel.

The GMR Fantom™ 254 radar offers a wide detection range, capable of detecting targets from 6 meters to 96 nautical miles, making it versatile for various navigation situations.

Yes, to ensure optimal performance and avoid any risk of injury or damage to the equipment or the vessel, installation by a qualified marine technician is strongly recommended.

For installation, you will need the following tools:

A #2 Phillips screwdriver
A 6 mm hex key
A drill
A 15 mm (19/32 in) drill bit
A 32 mm (1 1/4 in) drill bit (optional for cable routing)
A 17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and a torque wrench
A 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding (not included)
Marine sealant

The radar must be mounted high above the vessel's keel line, with minimal obstructions to the beam. The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the waterline, and sufficiently robust to support the radar's weight. It is also crucial to mount it out of reach of people, with the beam vertically above head height.

To avoid interference, the radar must be mounted at least 2 metres (6.5 ft) away from the beam path of other electronic equipment and cables. GPS antennas should be positioned either above or below the radar beam path. It is also recommended to mount it at least 1 metre (40 in) away from any transmitting equipment and cables carrying radio signals (such as VHF radios), and at least 2 metres (6.5 ft) away from SSB radios.

After selecting a suitable mounting location, secure the included mounting template to the surface, aligning it along the fore-aft axis. Drill the mounting holes with a 15 mm bit. If cables need to pass through the surface, drill a 32 mm cable pass-through hole along the central channel marked on the template. Remove the template afterward.

To secure the radar pedestal to the mounting surface, tighten the hex nuts to a torque of 14.7 N·m (11 lbf·ft). To secure the antenna to the pedestal, tighten the captive hex bolts to a torque of 7.9 N·m (6 lbf·ft). It is critical to respect these torque values to prevent damage to the radar or mounting hardware.

Yes, it is essential to apply marine sealant around any drilled hole used for cable routing once the cables are in place. This ensures perfect watertightness and protects the vessel from water ingress. Even if decorative cable glands are used, they do not provide watertightness, and marine sealant remains necessary.

To avoid interference with other equipment, it is advisable not to run network and power cables parallel to other cables, such as radio antenna lines or other power cables. If this is unavoidable, cables must be shielded with a metal conduit or some form of EMI shielding. Also avoid running cables near moving objects, high-heat sources, or through doors and bilges.

If your model is supplied with a voltage converter, do not remove the inline fuse holder (15 A) from the radar’s power cable. Connect the power cable to the converter using crimp connectors and heat-shrink tubing. Then, connect the voltage converter to the boat’s battery (10 to 32 V DC) via the included 30 A fuse holder. It is recommended to install the converter as close as possible to the power source.

Yes, it is possible to extend the power cable, but it is essential to use the appropriate wire gauge based on the extension length to prevent radar malfunction due to insufficient power transmission. Crimp connectors and heat-shrink tubing must be used to create a water-resistant connection.

The GMR Fantom™ 254 radar is compatible with Garmin BlueNet™ and Garmin Marine Network marine networks, ensuring seamless integration with existing Garmin navigation systems on your boat.

The warranty for the Garmin GMR Fantom™ 254 radar may be voided if the device is opened by anyone other than a Garmin-authorized service technician. Additionally, connecting the power cable without the appropriate fuse in place will also void the product warranty.