GPS receiver and antenna 24xd, for NMEA 2000 network, black

The Garmin GPS 24xd receiver and antenna is designed for seamless integration into NMEA 2000® networks. It connects directly to your existing NMEA 2000 network using the included T-connector and 6-meter spur cable.

To facilitate connection to your NMEA 2000 network, the GPS 24xd antenna is supplied with the following items:

A NMEA 2000 T-connector. A 6-metre NMEA 2000 drop cable. If your boat does not already have an NMEA 2000 network, you will need to install one.

The GPS 24xd antenna offers versatile mounting options:

Surface mounting: The antenna can be fixed to a flat surface using the supplied surface mount bracket.Mast mounting: It can be attached to a standard 2.54 cm (1 inch) outer diameter mast, with 14 threads per inch (mast not included). The cable can be routed externally or through the mast.It is important to test the mounting location before permanently securing the antenna to ensure optimal performance.

Yes, to ensure optimal performance, it is crucial to choose an appropriate mounting location:

The antenna must have an unobstructed, clear view of the sky in all directions. Avoid mounting it in the shadow of the boat’s superstructure, a radome antenna, or the mast. Do not install it near the engine or other sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Keep it away from known ferrous metal objects (such as a toolbox or compass). Do not install it within 1 meter (3 feet) of a VHF radio antenna or the path of a radar. If a radar is present, mount the antenna above the radar’s path if possible, or below if necessary, but never directly in its path. Avoid installing or storing it near strong magnets, including speakers. It is recommended to test the location with a portable compass to detect any magnetic interference before final installation.

After installation, it is essential to calibrate the heading and perform the automatic heading alignment to receive magnetic heading data. There are two methods:

Menu-based calibration (with a compatible Garmin chartplotter): If the antenna is connected to an NMEA 2000 network with a compatible Garmin chartplotter, you can follow the on-screen instructions via the device menu (e.g., Menu > Settings > Communications > NMEA 2000 Configuration > Device List > GPS 24xd > Revision > Compass Cal. > Start).

Basic calibration (without a compatible Garmin chartplotter or with a third-party device): For this method, you must be able to view heading data on a connected device. The boat must be capable of reaching a cruising speed of at least 6.4 km/h (4 mph). The procedure involves making two complete, slow, and tight circles while keeping the boat as stable and level as possible.

In both cases, the compass calibration must be successful and the antenna must maintain a valid GPS position with a clear view of the sky.

Yes, the GPS 24xd receiver is designed to integrate into an existing NMEA 2000 network, ensuring extended compatibility with a wide range of multifunction displays and instruments, whether Garmin or third-party. However, if you connect the antenna to an NMEA 2000 network without a compatible Garmin chartplotter or with a third-party device, you will need to perform the basic calibration for magnetic heading rather than the menu-based calibration.

Yes, if you cannot mount the antenna in an ideal location for magnetic heading and GPS performance, you can disable the magnetic heading data. To do this, you will need to perform a factory reset of the device. Even after disabling this feature, the device will continue to provide Course Over Ground (COG) data based on GPS.