Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56, open-array radar pedestal, black

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56 radar offers an impressive detection range, extending from 6 metres (20 feet) for very close targets up to 72 nautical miles for long-range detection. This ensures comprehensive monitoring of your maritime environment.

The GMR Fantom™ 56 is a solid-state radar with a 50-watt output power. This power is equivalent to that of a 6 kW magnetron radar, ensuring accurate and reliable target detection.

MotionScope™ technology uses the Doppler effect to identify and color moving targets on your chartplotter. This enables:

Easier collision avoidance.Improved detection of birds for fishing.Tracking weather phenomena.It clearly distinguishes moving objects from stationary ones.

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56 is equipped with an open-array antenna measuring 6 feet in length, which is approximately 182.9 cm. This size enhances the radar's accuracy and range.

The GMR Fantom™ 56 radar antenna can operate at two rotation speeds: 24 and 48 revolutions per minute (RPM). The 48 RPM speed is only available under the following conditions:

In single-range mode.When MotionScope™ technology is disabled.For range settings below 12 nautical miles.

The GMR Fantom™ 56 radar offers a horizontal beam width of 1.25 degrees and a vertical beam width of 23 degrees. These characteristics are essential for detailed radar imaging and effective target detection.

For optimal and safe operation, the radar mounting location must meet several criteria:

Be out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height.Positioned high above the vessel’s keel line, with minimal obstructions.On a flat and robust surface, parallel to the vessel’s waterline.Allow connections to power, grounding, and the network.Away from heat sources and other electronic equipment that may cause interference.

For the installation of the GMR Fantom™ 56 radar, you will need the following tools:

Phillips #2 screwdriver6 mm hex keyDrillBits: 15 mm (19/32 in) and 32 mm (1 1/4 in, optional)17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and torque wrench12 AWG (3.31 mm²) bare copper wire for grounding (not included)Marine sealant

Yes, the radar (and the voltage converter, if applicable) must be connected to a dedicated water ground. Use a 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire (not included) to connect the radar pedestal to the water ground. After connection, it is imperative to cover the ground screw and crimp connector with marine sealant to ensure waterproofing and protection.

To install the antenna on the pedestal:

Remove the protective cap from the waveguide located on top of the pedestal. Align the pedestal’s waveguide with the socket under the antenna. Slide the antenna onto the pedestal. Secure the antenna by tightening the captive hex bolts under the antenna arm to 7.9 N·m (6 lbf·ft).

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

During installation, it is crucial to observe the following safety precautions:

The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. Never look directly at the antenna at close range when the radar is transmitting, as the eyes are the most sensitive part of the body to electromagnetic energy. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.

For wiring, you may need to drill a hole up to 32 mm (1 1/4 in) in diameter to route power, network, or ground cables. It is essential to apply marine sealant around the hole after cable installation to ensure perfect watertightness. Avoid running cables near moving objects, high-heat sources, or parallel to other radio or power cables to prevent interference.

Some GMR Fantom™ 56 radar models may be supplied with a voltage converter. If your model includes a converter, you must install it for the radar to operate 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 does not include one, it can be connected directly to the boat’s power supply.

The GMR Fantom™ 56 radar is designed to integrate seamlessly with Garmin navigation systems. It is compatible with the Garmin BlueNet™ network as well as the Garmin Marine Network, enabling smooth communication with other Garmin devices aboard.

No, it is critical not to reuse voltage converters from older Garmin radar models or third-party converters. Using any converter other than the one included with your GMR Fantom™ 56, or a correct converter purchased from Garmin, could seriously damage the radar or prevent it from powering on correctly.

Yes, opening the device by anyone other than a Garmin authorized service technician may result in personal injury and/or damage to the device. Any damage resulting from such action will not be covered by the Garmin warranty, thereby voiding it.

Yes, the integrity of the electrical system is critical. When connecting the power cable, the inline fuse holder must not be removed. To prevent any risk of injury or damage to the product caused by fire or overheating, the correct fuse must be installed as specified in the product documentation. Connecting the power cable without the correct fuse voids the product warranty.

Upon receiving your GMR Fantom™ 56 radar, it is essential to:

Check that all components required for installation are present (pedestal, antenna, mounting template, fasteners, primer, fuse holder and fuses). Ensure that the packaging and the product show no visible damage from transit. This will allow you to start installation under the best conditions.

For installing the Garmin GMR Fantom™ 56 radar, you will need the following tools:

A #2 Phillips screwdriverA 6 mm hex keyA drillA 15 mm (19/32 in) drill bitA 32 mm (1 1/4 in) drill bit (optional, for cable routing)A 17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and a torque wrench3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding the radar housing and voltage converter if applicable (length depends on distance between radar and ground)Marine sealant