GMR Fantom™ 56, open-array radar with pedestal, white

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56 radar integrates solid-state technology with a 50 W transmit power. This power is equivalent to that of a 6 kW magnetron radar, delivering high performance for target detection.

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56 radar provides extended detection range, from 6 metres (20 feet) for close targets up to 72 nautical miles (133 km) for distant targets.

MotionScope™ technology uses the Doppler effect to identify and color moving targets directly on the chartplotter screen. This allows for quick distinction between targets approaching or moving away, facilitating collision avoidance, locating bird flocks, and monitoring weather conditions.

The GMR Fantom™ 56 radar is equipped with a 182.9 cm (6 ft) slotted waveguide antenna. This size contributes to high-resolution imaging and excellent target separation.

Yes, the Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56 radar is designed to provide improved target detection and situational awareness, even in challenging weather conditions such as fog or rain.

The GMR Fantom™ 56 radar antenna can operate at two rotation speeds: 24 rpm and 48 rpm. The 48 rpm speed is available in single-range mode, with MotionScope™ disabled and for range settings of 12 nautical miles or less.

The pulse compression technology of the GMR Fantom™ 56 radar delivers high-resolution imaging. It maximizes transmitted energy to improve target detection and identification without wasting power, providing a clearer and more detailed radar image.

For installation of the GMR Fantom™ 56 radar, 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
12 AWG (3.31 mm²) bare copper wire for grounding (not included)
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 installed high above the vessel's keel line, with minimal obstructions in the radar beam. The mounting surface must be flat, sturdy, and parallel to the vessel's waterline. The location must allow connection to power, marine ground, and the network. Avoid mounting the radar near heat sources (exhausts, lights) or at similar levels to spreaders and mast crosspieces. Maintain a minimum distance of 2 m (6.5 ft) from other electronic devices and cables, 1 m (40 in) from VHF radio equipment and cables, and 2 m (6.5 ft) from SSB radios. GPS antennas must be positioned above or below the radar beam path.

The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. To avoid exposure to harmful levels of radiofrequency (RF) radiation, the radar must not be mounted closer to people than the minimum safety distance specified in the product specifications.

To prepare the mounting surface:

Secure the provided mounting template to the chosen location, aligning it with the bow-stern axis.Drill mounting holes using a 15 mm (19/32 in) bit.If power and network cables need to pass through the surface, drill a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) pass-through hole along the central channel indicated on the template (this step is optional).Remove the mounting template from the surface.

To install the antenna on the pedestal:

Remove the protective cover from the waveguide located on top of the pedestal. Align the pedestal's waveguide with the socket under the antenna, then slide the antenna onto the pedestal. Secure the antenna to the pedestal by tightening the captive hex bolts located under the antenna arm. Tighten these bolts to a torque of 7.9 N·m (6 lbf·ft) for a secure fit without damaging the antenna or mounting hardware.

Yes, the radar (and the voltage converter, if applicable) must be connected to a proper marine ground. You must use a 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire (not included) for this connection. Connect one end of the wire to the ground connector on the pedestal and the other end to a marine ground location. It is recommended to coat the ground screw and the crimp connector with marine sealant.

Power can be connected in two ways:

Via the voltage converter (if provided): The converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 V DC. It must be installed as close as possible to the power source. Connect the converter to the boat’s battery via the included 30 A fuse, in addition to the 15 A fuse already present in the radar’s power cable. Directly to the power supply (if your model is not provided with a converter): Connect the power cable directly to the boat’s battery. The inline 15 A fuse holder in the power cable must not be removed. In all cases, it is recommended to connect the power cable directly to the battery.

Yes, it is possible to extend the power cable if necessary, but it is recommended to connect it directly to the battery. If an extension is unavoidable, you must use the appropriate wire gauge based on the extension length to ensure sufficient power supply. Waterproof crimp connectors and heat-shrink tubing must be used to create a water-resistant connection. Recommended gauges are:

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)

Yes, if your GMR Fantom™ 56 radar model is supplied with a power converter, you must install it for the radar to function correctly. It is important not to reuse old Garmin power converters or third-party converters, as this could damage the radar or prevent it from powering on. If your model is not supplied with a converter, you can purchase one separately, which may improve the radar’s resistance to strong winds.

Yes, it is imperative to apply marine sealant around every cable pass-through hole after installation to ensure perfect watertightness. This is critical to protect the boat and equipment from water ingress.

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56 radar is compatible with Garmin BlueNet™ and Garmin Marine Network, allowing seamless integration with other Garmin devices aboard your vessel.

The GMR Fantom™ 56 radar is designed to operate with compatible Garmin chartplotters. A compatible chartplotter is required for software updates and access to radar diagnostic pages. It is recommended to verify the specific compatibility of your chartplotter with the GMR Fantom™ 56.

No, the GMR Fantom™ 56 radar must be used solely as a navigation aid. It is not designed for applications requiring precise measurements of distance, direction, location, or topography, as this could result in bodily injury or damage to the vessel.