GMR™ 434 xHD3 Open Array and Pedestal Radar

The Garmin GMR 434 xHD3 radar is an open-array system with a 4-foot (122 cm) array, delivering 4 kW of transmit power. It is designed for offshore navigation and fishing, with detection ranges from 20 meters to 72 nautical miles. It includes advanced features such as Scan Averaging, angular adjustment of target size, and True Echo Trails for improved visibility.

The Garmin GMR 434 xHD3 radar has a transmit power of 4 kW.

The GMR 434 xHD3 radar’s detection range extends from a minimum of 20 meters up to a maximum of 72 nautical miles.

The Garmin GMR 434 xHD3 radar scanner measures 4 feet (122 cm).

The GMR 434 xHD3 radar integrates several technologies to improve image clarity and target detection:

Scan Averaging technology that filters sea clutter and interference.Angular adjustment of target size to optimize their display.True Echo Trails functions that display the history of vessel movements, facilitating collision threat identification.Dynamic automatic gain that adjusts gain levels for various conditions.

Yes, the Garmin GMR 434 xHD3 radar allows dual-range with overlay. This feature displays both near and far targets simultaneously on a compatible chartplotter, with the ability to overlay these images on the chart.

The GMR 434 xHD3 radar antenna offers rotation speeds of 24 and 48 revolutions per minute (rpm), ensuring rapid screen refresh.

The GMR 434 xHD3 radar features a horizontal beam width of 1.8 degrees and a vertical beam width of 23 degrees.

Yes, the Garmin GMR 434 xHD3 radar is specifically designed as an open-array detection solution for offshore navigation and fishing.

When selecting the radar mounting location, several considerations are important:

The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam width above head height. It must be installed high above the keel line of the vessel, with minimal obstruction to the radar beam. The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the vessel’s waterline, and sufficiently robust to support the radar’s weight. The radar must be kept away from heat sources such as exhausts and lights. It must be mounted at a different level from horizontal spreaders and mast crossarms. Other electronic devices and cables must be mounted more than 2 meters (6.5 feet) from the radar beam path. GPS antennas must be positioned either above or below the radar beam path. The radar must be mounted at least 1 meter (40 inches) from any transmitting equipment and cables carrying radio signals (VHF). It must be at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) from SSB radios.

Several safety precautions are essential when installing the radar:

Radar transmits electromagnetic energy. Ensure the radar is mounted out of reach of people and that all personnel are clear of the radar beam path before transmitting. Installation should be performed by a qualified marine installer for optimal performance and to avoid potential damage. To prevent possible injury, do not look directly at the antenna up close when the radar is transmitting. The device contains no user-serviceable parts and must only be opened by a Garmin authorized service technician. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.

To ensure a perfect seal after running cables through, you must apply marine sealant around the drilled hole in the mounting surface. Decorative cable glands of 32 mm (1 1/4 in) can be used, but they do NOT provide a watertight seal and also require marine sealant application.

If your GMR 434 xHD3 radar model is supplied with a voltage converter, you must install it for the radar to function correctly. This voltage converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 V DC. Using a voltage converter also helps the radar better withstand strong winds.

The radar power cable should be connected directly to the boat’s battery. The radar power cable includes an inline 15 A fuse that must not be removed. If a voltage converter is used, it must be connected to the battery via a 30 A fuse. Both fuses (15 A and 30 A) must be in place for proper operation.

If an extension of the power cable is required, the appropriate wire gauge must be used:

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)

To avoid interference and ensure optimal operation, the following minimum distances must be maintained:

Other electronic devices and cables: more than 2 metres (6.5 feet) from the radar beam path.Transmitting equipment: at least 1 metre (40 inches).Cables carrying radio signals (e.g., VHF radios, cables, antennas): at least 1 metre (40 inches).SSB radios: at least 2 metres (6.5 feet).GPS antennas must be positioned either above or below the radar beam path.

Once the pedestal is securely mounted, follow these steps to install the antenna:

Remove the protective cover from the waveguide on top of the pedestal.
Remove the mounting hardware (screws and washers) from the underside of the antenna.
Align the pedestal’s waveguide with the socket under the antenna, then slide the antenna onto the pedestal.
Secure the antenna to the pedestal using the hex screws, spring washers, and flat washers you removed from the antenna.
Tighten the hex screws to a torque of 0.81 kgf-m (70 lbf-in or 5.83 lbf-ft) using a torque wrench.

The Garmin GMR 434 xHD3 radar is compatible with Garmin BlueNet™ and Garmin marine networks.

No, this device must be used solely as a navigation aid. Using it for purposes requiring precise measurement of direction, distance, location or topography could result in bodily injury or damage to the vessel.